Which is the best intervention of the nurse for a diabetic patient who has rough skin on the feet and thick, overgrown toenails?

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because performing a focused patient assessment is the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A focused patient assessment involves collecting data about the patient's current condition, needs, and preferences. This data helps the nurse to identify any changes, problems, or risks that require immediate attention or intervention.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because conducting the patient’s health history is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A health history involves collecting data about the patient's past and present health status, medical history, family history, and social history. This data helps the nurse to understand the patient's background, risk factors, and health goals. A health history is usually conducted during the admission process or the initial assessment, not at the beginning of each shift.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because creating the nursing care plan for the patient is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. A nursing care plan involves developing a set of interventions and outcomes based on the patient's assessment data, diagnosis, and goals. This plan guides the nurse to provide individualized and holistic care for the patient. A nursing care plan is usually created after the initial assessment and updated regularly throughout the care process, not at the beginning of each shift.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because administering prescribed medications is not the first action of the nurse when starting care for the patient at the beginning of the shift. Administering prescribed medications involves giving the patient the right drug, dose, route, time, and documentation according to the physician's order and the nursing standards. This action requires the nurse to check the patient's assessment data, allergies, vital signs, and laboratory results before giving the medication. Administering prescribed medications is usually done after performing a focused patient assessment, not before.

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Acute confusion related to delirium and disorientation is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. It does not typically cause acute confusion, delirium, or disorientation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Nausea related to constant sensation of noxious taste is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease can cause nausea and vomiting during the attacks of vertigo, but not a constant sensation of noxious taste. Nausea is a symptom, not a nursing diagnosis.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Autonomic dysreflexia related to distention of bowel or bladder is not the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Autonomic dysreflexia is a life-threatening condition that occurs in people with spinal cord injuries above the level of T6. It causes a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure, headache, sweating, and bradycardia. It is triggered by a stimulus below the level of injury, such as a distended bladder or bowel. It is not related to Meniere’s disease.

Choice D reason: This is correct. Risk for falls related to unsteadiness and loss of balance is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient who has been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease can cause severe vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or moving when the person is still. This can impair the patient’s equilibrium and coordination, making them prone to falling and injuring themselves. The nurse should assess the patient’s risk for falls and implement interventions to prevent them, such as providing a safe environment, assisting with mobility, and educating the patient on self-care strategies.