Nokea
A nurse counseling a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) should understand that the assessment of highest priority is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: risk for self-harm. In patients with DID, the primary concern is ensuring their safety due to the high risk of self-harm or suicide. Assessing this risk is crucial for immediate intervention to prevent harm. Choice B, cognitive functioning, may be important but is secondary to ensuring patient safety. Choice C, identification of drug abuse, is relevant but not as urgent as addressing the risk for self-harm. Choice D, readiness to reestablish identity or memory, is important but not as critical as ensuring the patient's safety. Therefore, assessing the risk for self-harm takes precedence in the care of a patient with DID.