A nurse is assisting with the care of a preschooler who has epiglottitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) "The adolescent interrupts the nurse to ask a question": Interrupting is common in adolescents with ADHD, as impulsivity is a characteristic of the disorder. While this behavior can be disruptive, it does not necessarily present a barrier to communication. The adolescent may be seeking clarification, and the nurse can guide them to ask questions at appropriate times.

B) "The adolescent occasionally turns away from the nurse and stares at the wall": This behavior may indicate that the adolescent is distracted or disengaged, but it does not necessarily block communication. It's important for the nurse to assess the adolescent’s attention and attempt to re-engage them if needed.

C) "The adolescent taps on the arm of the chair throughout the conversation": Tapping or other repetitive movements are often seen in individuals with ADHD and can be a significant barrier to effective communication. This behavior can be distracting for both the adolescent and the nurse, making it difficult to maintain focus on the conversation and absorb information. The nurse should address this by encouraging a calmer, more focused posture during discussions.

D) "The adolescent rocks in their chair while speaking with the nurse": Rocking can be a self-soothing behavior or a way to help manage restlessness, common in ADHD. While it can be distracting, it is less likely to be a major barrier to communication than tapping, which may be more intrusive. The nurse should assess if the behavior affects the adolescent’s ability to focus or engage.

A) I’d like to hear your thoughts about giving yourself this medication:
This response encourages open communication and allows the client to express their concerns or fears. It shows empathy and provides an opportunity for the nurse to understand the reasons behind the refusal, which can help tailor the teaching approach. This is an effective way to build trust and involve the client in their care plan.

B) Have you considered how your decision to refuse medication will affect your family?
While this statement highlights the consequences of the client’s actions, it can feel judgmental or guilt-inducing, which may cause the client to become defensive. The nurse should aim to engage the client in a non-judgmental and supportive way rather than focusing on external consequences at this stage.

C) Why don’t you want to learn how to give yourself your medication?
This question could come across as confrontational and may make the client feel pressured or defensive. Instead of focusing directly on the refusal, the nurse should try to understand the client's perspective and barriers, which can be better achieved with a more open and empathetic approach like option A.

D) You will suffer serious health issues if you don’t take your medication:
This response may evoke fear and could be perceived as coercive. It focuses on the negative consequences without first understanding the client’s feelings or reasons for refusing. While the nurse should eventually address the importance of insulin, it’s more effective to first create an open dialogue that respects the client’s autonomy and concerns.