A nurse is assessing the parenting styles of a family. Which of the following parent statements identify characteristics of authoritarian parenting?

Rationale:

A. A client who has a prescription for compression stockings and did not receive them: Compression stockings are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and other complications. If the client has not received them, this is a safety concern that requires immediate nursing attention. The AP should report this so the nurse can ensure the prescription is implemented.

B. A client who consumes all the food from their meal tray: Eating the entire meal indicates adequate oral intake and nutrition. While this is positive information, it does not require immediate reporting to the nurse.

C. A client who requests to sit in the bedside chair while watching TV: This is a routine activity of daily living that the AP can assist with as appropriate. It does not indicate a change in condition or a safety concern that must be reported.

D. A client who requests assistance to use the bedside commode: The AP can safely assist with toileting and does not need to report this unless there is a change in the client’s condition or an incident occurs. This is within the scope of AP duties.

Rationale:

A. "The care team will discuss how to change the DNR prescription.": While discussions about code status may occur, the care team cannot override the client’s documented wishes. Focusing on changing the DNR for the family disregards the ethical and legal principle of patient autonomy.

B. "I will ask the client's provider to change the prescription.": The provider cannot unilaterally change a DNR order without the client’s consent. Doing so would violate the client’s legal rights and established advance directive.

C. "A family member can change a DNR prescription once it has been signed.": Only the client has the authority to modify or revoke a DNR unless the client is incapacitated and has legally designated a healthcare proxy. Family members do not have the right to override the client’s documented wishes arbitrarily.

D. "These are the client's wishes, and we must respect them.": The nurse’s response acknowledges the ethical and legal obligation to honor the client’s autonomy. DNR orders reflect the client’s informed decisions about life-sustaining treatments, which must be respected even if family members disagree.