The nurse is prioritizing a client's problem list. Which of the following problems should receive the highest priority?

C. Before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to verify that the tube is patent (open and unobstructed). Tube patency ensures that the feeding formula or medication can flow freely into the stomach or intestines without encountering any blockages or resistance. The nurse should flush the tube with water to check for patency and ensure proper functioning before initiating the feeding.

A. Vital signs are typically assessed for overall health monitoring and to detect any immediate changes in the client's condition. However, they are not specifically required before every feeding via gastrostomy tube unless there are specific concerns about the client's stability.

B. This option is not typically necessary before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube. In fact, elevating the head of the bed to at least 30 to 45 degrees is often recommended during and after feeding to minimize the risk of aspiration. This position helps to promote digestion and reduce the likelihood of reflux or regurgitation of the feeding.

D. Assisting the client to a prone (face-down) position is unnecessary and potentially unsafe before administering a feeding through a gastrostomy tube. The recommended position for feeding via gastrostomy tube is typically semi-Fowler's position (elevated head of the bed), which helps prevent aspiration and facilitates digestion.

B. Physician and nurse practitioner orders specify the medical treatments, medications, and interventions prescribed for the client. These orders are essential for guiding care at the subacute care facility and are a critical part of the legal health record.

C. A living will, also known as an advance directive, outlines the client's preferences for medical treatment and care in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. It is a legal document that guides decision-making regarding end-of-life care.

D. Vital sign flow records document the client's vital signs over time, including measurements such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. These records are essential for monitoring the client's health status and detecting trends or changes.

F. Nurses' assessments document the nursing observations, assessments, and interventions provided to the client. These assessments are crucial for ongoing nursing care and should be included in the legal health record.

A. Event or unusual occurrence reports document any incidents or deviations from the standard of care that occur during the client's hospitalization. These reports are important for quality improvement and risk management but are typically not included in the legal health record unless they directly impact the client's care.

E. Proof of residence or property ownership documents are not typically included in the legal health record. These documents are unrelated to the client's medical care and are considered personal or administrative records.