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?

Choice A reason:

"You might experience altered taste sensations" is the correct statement. When providing teaching to a client about to undergo external radiation therapy for cancer, the nurse should include information about potential side effects and what to expect during the treatment. One common side effect of radiation therapy, especially when the treatment is focused on or near the head and neck region, is altered taste sensations. Radiation can affect the taste buds and lead to changes in how foods taste.

Choice B reason:

"Use rubbing alcohol to remove the ink markings. “The statement is incorrect. The ink markings made on the client's skin are used as reference points for the radiation therapy treatment. It is essential not to remove these markings, as they are crucial for accurate positioning during each treatment session. The nurse should instruct the client not to tamper with the markings, and the radiation therapy team will remove them when they are no longer needed.

Choice C reason:

"Wear a binder over the radiation site." The statement is incorrect. Wearing a binder over the radiation site is not a standard practice during external radiation therapy. The client should be instructed to follow the specific guidelines provided by the radiation therapy team regarding clothing and positioning during treatments. The use of binders or other tight clothing over the treatment area may not be recommended, as it can cause discomfort or interfere with the delivery of radiation.

Choice D reason

"Wash your skin thoroughly with a washcloth after each treatment." Is incorrect statement. During radiation therapy, the skin in the treatment area can become sensitive. It is essential for the client to follow the specific instructions provided by the radiation therapy team regarding skin care. Generally, the client should avoid using harsh soaps or scrubbing the skin vigorously. Instead, they should gently cleanse the area with a mild soap or as directed by their healthcare providers.

The correct answer is C. Explain to the child what will happen when the abuse is reported.

This is because the nurse should provide honest and accurate information to the child about the reporting process and the possible outcomes, such as legal actions, investigations, or removal from the home.

This can help the child feel more prepared and less anxious about what will happen next. The nurse should also reassure the child that the abuse is not their fault and that they did the right thing by telling someone.

Choice A is wrong because reassuring the child that no one will be told about the abuse is unethical and illegal.

The nurse has a mandatory duty to report any suspected or confirmed cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. Keeping the abuse a secret can also endanger the child’s safety and well-being, as well as prevent them from receiving the necessary medical and psychological care.

Choice B is wrong because ensuring that multiple nurses are present for the physical examination can increase the child’s fear, embarrassment, or discomfort.

The nurse should minimize the number of people involved in the examination and only include those who are essential for providing care or collecting evidence. The nurse should also explain to the child what will be done during the examination and obtain their consent before proceeding.

Choice D is wrong because using leading statements to obtain information from the child can influence their responses and affect the validity of their testimony.

The nurse should use open-ended questions and avoid suggesting or implying any details about the abuse. The nurse should also document the child’s statements verbatim and avoid interpreting or paraphrasing them.