A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is scheduled for hemodialysis via an arteriovenous fistula in the arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend?

Do you have any plan for harming yourself?

When a client expresses suicidal ideations, the nurse's priority is to assess whether the client has a specific plan for harming themselves. This question helps determine the level of immediate risk and guides the nurse's actions in providing appropriate interventions and ensuring the client's safety.:

Can you tell me about the stresses in your life? In (option B) is incorrect. While understanding the client's stressors is important in assessing their overall mental health, it may not be the priority question in this situation. The immediate concern is to assess the presence of a specific plan for self-harm.

Do you have someone to discuss your feelings with? In (option C) is incorrect. Having someone to talk to about feelings can be beneficial for the client, but it is not the priority question in this situation. The primary focus is to assess the client's immediate risk and take appropriate actions to ensure their safety.

Has anyone in your family ever died by suicide? In (option D) is incorrect. Family history of suicide can be a risk factor for suicidal ideation, but it is not the priority question in this scenario. Assessing the client's current risk and immediate plan for self-harm is more crucial to determine the necessary interventions.

The nurse should take the following actions when receiving a telephone prescription from a client's provider:

1. Ask the provider to spell out the name of the medication: This is important to ensure accurate transcription of the medication name. Spelling out the name helps prevent errors due to similar-sounding medications or confusion with abbreviations.
2. Request that the provider confirm the read-back of the prescription: This step ensures that the nurse and the provider are on the same page and that the prescription has been accurately transcribed. It allows for verification and correction if any discrepancies are identified.
3. Record the date and time of the telephone prescription: Documenting the date and time of the telephone prescription is essential for tracking and reference purposes. It helps establish a clear timeline of events and ensures proper documentation of the medication order.

It is not necessary to withhold the medication until the provider signs the prescription, as telephone prescriptions are typically followed up with a written prescription or electronic verification.

Instructing another nurse to record the prescription in the medical record may not be necessary, as the nurse who received the telephone prescription is responsible for accurately documenting the order in the medical record. However, if necessary, the nurse can delegate the task of documentation to another qualified staff member under their supervision, ensuring accuracy and completeness.