A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is assisting with the emergency response plan following an external disaster in the community.

In anticipation of multiple client admissions, which of the following current clients should the nurse recommend for early discharge?

The nurse should recognize the client is experiencing preterm labor due to previous preterm birth.

Preterm labor is when regular contractions begin to open the cervix before 37 weeks of pregnancy. One of the risk factors for preterm labor is having a previous preterm delivery. The client’s history indicates that her last pregnancy resulted in a preterm spontaneous vaginal birth at 30 weeks gestation. The client’s current symptoms, such as lower back pain, pinkish vaginal discharge, uterine contractions and cervical dilation, also suggest that she is in preterm labor. Therefore, the nurse should recognize that the client is experiencing preterm labor due to previous preterm birth.

BMI, blood type and blood pressure are not causes of preterm labor in this case. BMI may be associated with preterm labor if it is too high or too low, but the client’s BMI is within the normal range for pregnancy. Blood type may cause Rh incompatibility if the mother is Rh negative and the baby is Rh positive, but the client’s blood type is Rh positive. Blood pressure may cause preeclampsia if it is too high, but the client’s blood pressure is normal. Abruptio placentae is a condition where the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can cause vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain and fetal distress. The client does not have these signs.

The correct answer is Choice A.

Choice A rationale:

• Acknowledges the client's feelings:It's important for the nurse to validate the client's concerns and let them know that it's understandable to feel nervous or uncertain about ECT.
• Provides information about the treatment:The nurse can offer information about the potential benefits of ECT,but it's important not to pressure the client or make them feel like they have to go through with it.
• Reassures the client of their right to change their mind:This is a crucial aspect of informed consent.The client has the right to withdraw their consent at any time,even after signing the consent form.

Choice B rationale:

• Places undue pressure on the client:This response implies that the doctor knows what's best for the client and that the client should go through with the treatment even if they have doubts.This can undermine the client's autonomy and decision-making ability.

Choice C rationale:

• May minimize the client's concerns:While rescheduling the treatment is an option,it's important to explore the client's concerns more thoroughly before suggesting this.It's possible that the client has valid reasons for not wanting to go through with ECT,and these reasons should be addressed.

Choice D rationale:

• Is disrespectful of the client's autonomy:This response suggests that the client is obligated to go through with the treatment simply because they signed a consent form.This ignores the fact that people can change their minds and that consent is an ongoing process.