A client is to receive medications that are highly teratogenic.
What question should the nurse ask the client to support safe medication administration?

You need to speak to the designated hospital contact. This is because the nurse has a duty to protect the client’s privacy and confidentiality, and cannot disclose any information about the client’s diagnosis or condition to the reporter without the client’s consent.

The nurse should refer the reporter to the hospital’s public relations department or spokesperson, who is authorized to handle such inquiries.

Choice A is wrong because it implies that the client’s healthcare provider can release the information without the client’s consent, which is not true.

Choice B is wrong because it confirms that the client is on the unit, which is a violation of the client’s privacy.

Choice C is wrong because it gives false information about the client’s status, which is unethical and unprofessional.

The client should not eat anything before the barium enema, as this could interfere with the visualization of the colon. The client should also take a laxative and an enema the night before the test to clear the bowel of any fecal matter.

Choice B is wrong because the client may need to have laxatives to expel the barium after the test, not before. Barium can cause constipation and impaction if not eliminated promptly.

Choice C is wrong because the client will receive the barium prior to the study by rectum, which is correct. The barium is a contrast agent that helps outline the colon on X-rays.

Choice D is wrong because the client will need to lie down during the study while retaining the barium for X-rays, which is correct. The client may also be asked to change positions to allow different views of the colon.