A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is pregnant and asks how she should help her 4-year-old son prepare for the new baby. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Rationale:

A. Institutional policies and procedures: While helpful in guiding facility-specific protocols, policies do not override state regulations. An institution may allow tasks that exceed or fall short of legal scope, so this should not be the primary reference.

B. Written prescription from the provider: A provider’s order does not define or expand a nurse’s legal scope of practice. Even with a valid order, the nurse must independently verify whether they are legally permitted to carry out the task.

C. State Nurse Practice Act: The Nurse Practice Act (NPA) is the legal authority that defines what licensed nurses are permitted to do in their state. It is the most authoritative resource to determine whether a task is within the nurse’s legal scope of practice.

D. Verbal direction from the nurse manager: Even when given by a superior, verbal instructions must still comply with state law. A nurse manager’s guidance cannot authorize a task that lies outside the nurse’s legal scope.

Rationale:

A. "Can you talk about what was happening with your partner at home?": This open-ended question encourages the partner to express emotions and provide context, which helps build trust and gather relevant information. It’s a therapeutic response that validates the partner’s experience without judgment or assumptions.

B. "Why do you think your partner's symptoms are progressing so quickly?” This question may come off as accusatory or put the partner on the defensive. "Why" questions can create a sense of blame or pressure, which is not conducive to a supportive therapeutic environment.

C. "You should make sure your partner takes the prescribed medication”: This directive may be perceived as dismissive and does not acknowledge the partner’s emotional distress. While medication adherence is important, this is not the most therapeutic or empathetic initial response.

D. "You did the right thing by bringing your partner in for treatment”: While affirming the decision is supportive, this response closes the conversation and doesn’t invite the partner to explore their concerns or emotions further, limiting therapeutic dialogue.