A blizzard is predicted to hit a large city within a few hours. The home care nurse is prioritizing and revising the schedule and estimates that 3 home visits can be made before the blizzard hits. Which clients should the nurse see? Select all that apply.

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In this scenario, it is unknown when home care visits will resume due to severe inclement weather. The high-priority clients are those who are at risk for harm if a scheduled visit cannot be made in 24 hours or more. The client who fell could have sustained a head injury and needs assessment. The client in need of pre-filled insulin syringes could become hyperglycemic if insulin is unavailable. The client with the stage 3 pressure injury has a scheduled dressing change for a serious wound and this should not be postponed. (Option B) Maintenance doses of cyanocobalamin for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency are usually administered every 4 weeks. Although this client should receive the injection as soon as possible, postponing the home care visit for 1 or 2 days will not harm the client. (Option D) This client can be provided with telephonic care management; the nurse can perform medication reconciliation over the phone and provide instructions regarding care. Educational objective: During a weather-related emergency, home care visits are classified as: High priority - unstable clients who need care and are at risk for hospitalization if not seen. Moderate priority - clients who are moderately stable and will suffer no harm if a visit is postponed; telephonic care management can be provided to these clients. Low priority - clients who are stable and can engage in self-care and/or have a caregiver who can provide or assist with care.

A Blizzard Is Predicted to Hit a Large City Within