A newly hired nurse asks a charge nurse what safety measures are in place to prevent diversion of controlled substances on the unit. Which of the following statements should the charge nurse make?(Select All that Apply.)

Explanation:

A. "I promise I won't tell anyone about this."

This statement is not appropriate because nurses are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse. Promising confidentiality in cases of abuse goes against legal and ethical responsibilities. The nurse must report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities for the safety and well-being of the child.

B. "Your family is bad for doing this to you."

This statement is judgmental and may make the child feel guilty or conflicted about their family. It is essential to avoid blaming or shaming language when addressing a child who has been abused. The focus should be on providing support, validation, and appropriate intervention.

C. "Let's discuss what you have told me with your family members."

This statement is not appropriate because it suggests involving the family members in the discussion of abuse, which can potentially put the child at risk of further harm. It's essential to prioritize the safety of the child and follow appropriate reporting procedures rather than involving potentially abusive family members in discussions about abuse.

D. "It is not your fault that this happened."

This statement is appropriate and supportive. It reassures the child that they are not to blame for the abuse they have experienced. It acknowledges the child's feelings and helps them understand that they are not responsible for the actions of the abuser. This statement can provide comfort and validation to the child during a difficult time.

Explanation:

A. Administer the Hamilton depression scale:

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is a tool used to assess the severity of depression symptoms in individuals. While assessing the client's depression level is an important aspect of mental health assessment, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client has been admitted following a suicide attempt, indicating an acute risk to their safety. Therefore, the priority at this stage is to ensure the client's safety and prevent any further harm or attempts at self-harm.

B. Make a contract with the client for weight gain:

Making a contract with the client for weight gain, especially in the context of anorexia nervosa, may be an important aspect of the client's overall treatment plan. However, in this scenario, the client's immediate safety takes precedence. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa, and the primary concern at admission is to prevent any further self-harm or suicide attempts.

C. Review the client's toxicology laboratory report:

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report is important for understanding any recent substance abuse and its potential impact on the client's physical and mental health. However, while this information is relevant to the client's overall care, it is not the first action to take upon admission. The immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate monitoring and intervention to prevent further harm.

D. Initiate one-to-one nursing observation:

This is the correct answer. Initiating one-to-one nursing observation means assigning a dedicated nurse to continuously monitor and supervise the client closely. This level of observation is crucial in a situation where there is a history of suicide attempt and ongoing risk of self-harm. One-to-one observation allows for immediate intervention if the client shows signs of distress or attempts to harm themselves, ensuring their safety while they are in the acute mental health unit.