A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a child whose parents refuse to accept the medical treatment prescribed by the provider. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take first to address this ethical dilemma?

A. Limiting hip flexion to 100" is an incorrect and potentially unsafe prescription. Such a restriction would severely limit the client's mobility and could impede the recovery process following a total hip arthroplasty. The nurse should clarify this prescription with the provider to ensure that the client is given appropriate instructions for postoperative care.

B. Performing range-of-motion exercises every 2 hours is a standard and appropriate prescription for a postoperative client after a total hip arthroplasty. These exercises help prevent joint stiffness and promote circulation.

C. Repositioning the client every 2 hours is a standard practice to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and promote comfort and circulation.

D. Placing an abduction pillow between the legs is a common practice after a total hip arthroplasty. It helps maintain proper hip alignment and prevents dislocation of the prosthetic hip joint during the initial postoperative period.

A. Initiate a 24-hr urine collection for a client who has end-stage kidney disease:

While a 24-hour urine collection is important for assessing kidney function, it is not an urgent task and can be scheduled at a later time without compromising the client's immediate well-being.

B. Change the dressing for a client who has a decubitus ulcer:

Changing the dressing for a decubitus ulcer is important for wound care, but it is not as urgent as addressing respiratory distress in a client with COPD.

C. Administer an antibiotic for a client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus:

Administering an antibiotic for a client with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is important, but it is not as immediately critical as ensuring adequate oxygenation in a client with COPD. Respiratory issues take precedence in the hierarchy of priorities.

D. Initiate oxygen therapy via nasal cannula for a client who has COPD.

The priority should be given to tasks that address immediate threats to the client's well-being or safety. In this scenario, initiating oxygen therapy for a client with COPD is a priority because it addresses respiratory distress and hypoxia, which are critical concerns in individuals with COPD. Respiratory interventions take precedence to ensure adequate oxygenation.