A nurse in an outpatient mental health clinic is caring for a client. Select the 3 findings that require immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.

Initiate transmission-based precautions.

Rationale:

1. B- Encouraging oral fluids is an important intervention for a child who has a fever, as it helps prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. However, it is not the priority intervention, as it does not address the risk of infection transmission to other clients or staff.
2. A - Applying topical calamine lotion may help soothe the itching and discomfort caused by the vesicles, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
3. C - Administering acetaminophen as an antipyretic may help reduce the fever and provide symptomatic relief for the child, but it is not the priority intervention, as it does not prevent infection transmission or treat the underlying cause of the fever.
4. D - Initiating transmission-based precautions is the priority intervention, as it protects other clients and staff from exposure to the infectious agent that causes the vesicles and fever. The nurse should wear gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when caring for the child, and place them in a private room or cohort them with other clients who have similar symptoms.