A nurse is admitting an adolescent who has rubella. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

This action demonstrates the nurse’s role as an advocate and a resource person for the client, who might be eligible for financial assistance and health care coverage during her pregnancy and the postpartum period. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
Choice A is wrong because contacting the adolescent’s parent for assistance might violate the client’s confidentiality and autonomy, especially if the parent is not aware of or supportive of the pregnancy. The nurse should respect the client’s right to privacy and self-determination unless there is a risk of harm to the client or the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because referring the adolescent to a local mental health clinic might imply that the client has a mental disorder or needs psychological counseling, which could be stigmatizing and discouraging.
The nurse should assess the client’s emotional state and coping skills, and provide supportive and nonjudgmental care. The nurse can also offer referrals to other community resources, such as prenatal education, parenting classes, or social services, that might benefit the client.
Choice D is wrong because advising the adolescent to place the newborn for adoption might interfere with the client’s decision-making process and personal values.
The nurse should not impose his or her own opinions or beliefs on the client but rather explore the client’s feelings and preferences about her pregnancy options. The nurse should provide factual information and education about adoption, abortion, or parenting, and help the client weigh the benefits and risks of each option.

The correct answer is Choice D, "We can provide a copy of your records, but the therapist's notes are not included."

Rationale for Choice A:

• Puts the client on the defensive:Asking "Why are you interested in seeing your therapist's notes?" can make the client feel like they need to justify their request,potentially leading to defensiveness or withdrawal.
• May not uncover true motivation:The client may not feel comfortable revealing their true reasons for wanting to see the notes,and this approach could hinder open communication.
• Undermines client autonomy:It's important to respect the client's right to access their own information,even if it's not always beneficial.Questioning their motives could make them feel less empowered in their treatment.

Rationale for Choice B:

• Paternalistic and dismissive:Saying "I don't think you will benefit from reviewing your therapist's notes right now" assumes that the nurse knows what's best for the client without exploring their perspective.
• Discourages open communication:It shuts down conversation and may prevent the client from expressing their concerns or needs.
• Could damage therapeutic relationship:By dismissing the client's request,the nurse risks eroding trust and rapport,which are essential for effective therapy.

Rationale for Choice C:

• Assumes dissatisfaction with treatment:Asking "Are you not happy with your treatment?" immediately focuses on potential problems rather than understanding the client's motivations.
• May not be accurate:The client's request may not stem from dissatisfaction with treatment but rather from curiosity,a desire for control,or other reasons.
• Could create unnecessary anxiety:Raising concerns about treatment satisfaction without proper exploration could create anxiety or doubts in the client's mind.

Rationale for Choice D:

• Clear and informative:It directly addresses the client's request while providing accurate information about the availability of records.
• Protects therapist's notes:It upholds the therapist's right to maintain confidentiality of their thought processes and clinical impressions.
• Offers alternative solutions:It suggests that the client can access other parts of their record,potentially addressing their underlying need for information.
• Professional and respectful:It maintains professional boundaries and respects the client's right to information without disclosing protected notes.