A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is at 36 weeks of gestation and experienced preterm prelabor rupture of membranes. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

"We allow our children the freedom to decide their own behavior.”

Choice A reason:

This statement does not indicate a permissive parenting style. In fact, it suggests an authoritative or authoritarian style, where the parents make decisions for their children without considering their input. The parents' imposition of their decisions on their children's time indicates a more controlling approach.

Choice B reason:

This statement also does not reflect a permissive parenting style. Instead, it represents an authoritative or authoritarian style, where the parents expect obedience and compliance without allowing room for questions or autonomy. This approach tends to be more structured and directive.

Choice C reason:

This statement demonstrates the use of a permissive parenting style. In permissive parenting, parents tend to be lenient and allow their children considerable freedom in decision-making and behavior. By giving their children the freedom to decide their own behavior, the parents are adopting a permissive approach, which can sometimes lead to indulgence and lack of necessary boundaries.

Choice D reason:

This statement does not indicate a permissive parenting style either. Instead, it suggests an authoritative or democratic style, where the parents explain the reasoning behind the rules they set. This approach encourages understanding and cooperation but is different from permissiveness.

The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.

Choice A reason:

The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.

Choice B reason:

Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.

Choice C reason:

Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.