A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about the facility’s computerized documentation system.

Which of the following information should the nurse include?

The correct answer is choice C: Document the client’s behavior prior to being placed in seclusion.

Choice A rationale:

Discussing with the client his inappropriate behavior prior to seclusion is important, but it’s not the most appropriate action. The priority is to ensure the safety of the client and others, which can be achieved by documenting the client’s behavior prior to seclusion.

Choice B rationale:

Offering fluids every 2 hours is a good practice to keep the client hydrated, especially if they are agitated or physically active. However, this is not the most appropriate action in this context.

Choice C rationale:

Documenting the client’s behavior prior to being placed in seclusion is the most appropriate action. This documentation is crucial for legal and ethical reasons, and it helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Assessing the client’s behavior once every hour is important to monitor the client’s condition and response to seclusion. However, this is not the most appropriate action in this context.

This action demonstrates the nurse’s role as an advocate and a resource person for the client, who might be eligible for financial assistance and health care coverage during her pregnancy and the postpartum period. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
Choice A is wrong because contacting the adolescent’s parent for assistance might violate the client’s confidentiality and autonomy, especially if the parent is not aware of or supportive of the pregnancy. The nurse should respect the client’s right to privacy and self-determination unless there is a risk of harm to the client or the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because referring the adolescent to a local mental health clinic might imply that the client has a mental disorder or needs psychological counseling, which could be stigmatizing and discouraging.
The nurse should assess the client’s emotional state and coping skills, and provide supportive and nonjudgmental care. The nurse can also offer referrals to other community resources, such as prenatal education, parenting classes, or social services, that might benefit the client.
Choice D is wrong because advising the adolescent to place the newborn for adoption might interfere with the client’s decision-making process and personal values.
The nurse should not impose his or her own opinions or beliefs on the client but rather explore the client’s feelings and preferences about her pregnancy options. The nurse should provide factual information and education about adoption, abortion, or parenting, and help the client weigh the benefits and risks of each option.