When visiting a disabled 13-year-old client with a 6-month-old infant sister, what should the nurse prioritize?

Prioritizing the determination of whether someone can assist with chores and the infant's care is crucial in this scenario for several reasons. The caregiver for both the disabled 13-year-old and the infant is likely to be under significant stress due to the dual responsibilities of caring for a child with disabilities and an infant. By first addressing the potential need for additional support, the nurse can help alleviate some of this stress, ensuring that the caregiver has the necessary help to manage daily tasks and maintain a healthy environment for both children.

This approach recognizes the caregiver's overall well-being as fundamental to the care of both the disabled child and the infant. The support can come from family, friends, or community resources, which will enable the caregiver to provide better care, avoid burnout, and foster a stable home environment for both children. Once the support system is in place, the nurse can then focus on other aspects such as developmental stimulation for the infant or the sibling's involvement in play, which are also important but secondary to ensuring that the immediate needs of the household are met.