The nurse provides care for several older clients. Which client does the nurse assess first? A. the client reporting a gradual change in the ability to walk w/o stumbling B. the client reporting constipation for several days C. the client showing signs of urinary frequency and urgency D. the client displaying difficulty speaking and moving the right arm D The client who has difficulty speaking and moving may be experiencing a stroke, and this needs to be assessed immediately. If a stroke is occurring, it needs to be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage A: this client's changes have been gradual, and while it is important to determine the cause, it is not the first problem needing attentiion B: constipation is common in older clients because of changes to the digestive system and dehydration. It is not the most urgent problem to address C: urinary frequency and urgency are common changes that occur w/aging due to changes in the musculature of the body. This is not the most urgent problem to assess Priorities Enable nurse to attend to client's most important needs Helps nurse organize care Situations that if left untreated could cause physical harm to client have the highest priority Using Maslow's hierarchy of needs Enables nurse to establish priorities Priorities: implementation: develop a prioritized list of nursing diagnoses High-priority: involve diagnoses that, if left untreated, could cause physical harm to pt Medium priority: involve non-life-threatening diagnoses Low priority: involve diagnoses not specifically related to current health problem Priority: implementation Deal w/medical problems (or suspected medical problems) first; consider all health needs and determine relationship between problem Priority: implementation: prioritize needs in terms of Maslow's hierarchy Help pt meet basic phsiologic needs (oxygen, water, food, temperature, elimination, sexuality, physical activity, and rest) Priority: implementation: assist pt w/safety and security needs