A charge nurse is speaking with the partner of a client. The partner states that the client is not receiving adequate care. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse take first to resolve the situation?

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client, "It's not your choice to be here, so you have to accept the treatment we plan for you," disregards the client's autonomy and right to make decisions about their own healthcare. In mental health settings, respecting a patient's autonomy and involving them in the decision-making process is crucial for ethical care. This statement does not address the client's fear or provide any reassurance.

Choice B rationale:

Choice C rationale:

Asking, "Why do you think your provider will prescribe you medications that will make you sleep?" attempts to explore the client's fear, but it may come across as dismissive or invalidating. It could make the client feel unheard or misunderstood, which is not ideal in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Stating, "I will make sure that we respect your right to refuse medications," is the most appropriate response. It acknowledges the client's fear and reassures them that their autonomy will be respected. It opens the door for a discussion about the client's concerns, allowing them to express their fears and preferences. Respecting the client's right to refuse medications is fundamental to ethical nursing practice and patient-centered care.

The four findings that require follow-up are B, C, E, and F.

Rationale:

1. Blood pressure: A normal blood pressure for an adolescent is 110/70 mm Hg. The question does not provide the adolescent's blood pressure, so it cannot be determined if it requires followup or not.
2. Capillary refill: A normal capillary refill time is less than 2 seconds. A prolonged capillary refill time indicates impaired blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
3. Pedal pulse: A normal pedal pulse is +2 or +3. A weak pedal pulse (+1) indicates reduced blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
4. Heart rate: A normal heart rate for an adolescent is 60 to 100 beats per minute. The question does not provide the adolescent's heart rate, so it cannot be determined if it requires follow-up or not.
5. Skin temperature: A normal skin temperature is warm and dry. A cool skin temperature indicates reduced blood flow to the extremity, which could be due to vascular injury, compartment syndrome, or shock.
6. Pain: A pain level of 10 on a scale of 0 to 10 indicates severe pain that needs to be managed with appropriate analgesics and nonpharmacological interventions.