A nurse is caring for a 10-year-old boy who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and is eager to return to school and participate in social events. The mother tells the nurse she is afraid to let him take part in physical activities at school. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Adopting a neutral attitude when providing care is essential for building trust with a client who is suspicious. A neutral attitude helps the nurse remain professional and non-threatening, which can make the client feel safer and more comfortable. This approach avoids overwhelming the client with excessive friendliness or personal disclosure, which might increase their suspicion.

Choice B reason: Waiting for the client to initiate interaction is not the best approach. Clients who are suspicious may not feel comfortable initiating interactions, and this could lead to a lack of communication and trust. The nurse should take the initiative to engage with the client in a calm and respectful manner.

Choice C reason: Disclosing some personal information to the client to demonstrate approachability can be counterproductive with a suspicious client. Sharing personal information might be perceived as intrusive or manipulative, which could increase the client’s distrust. Maintaining professional boundaries is crucial.

Choice D reason: Approaching the client frequently throughout the day for brief interactions might overwhelm a suspicious client. While regular interactions are important, they should be balanced and not too frequent to avoid making the client feel pressured or monitored.

Choice A reason:

Offering the child a choice of taking the medication with juice or water is an effective strategy. Giving children choices helps them feel a sense of control and can reduce resistance. This approach respects the child’s autonomy and can make the medication-taking process less stressful for both the child and the nurse.

Choice B reason:

Telling the child it is candy is not an appropriate strategy. This can lead to mistrust and confusion, as the child may expect candy and be disappointed or upset when they realize it is medication. It is important to be honest with children about what they are taking to build trust and ensure they understand the importance of the medication.

Choice C reason:

Telling the child he will have to have a shot instead is not a helpful approach. This can create fear and anxiety about both the medication and future medical procedures. Using threats or scare tactics can damage the child’s trust in healthcare providers and make them more resistant to treatment in the future.

Choice D reason:

Hiding the medication in a large dish of ice cream is not recommended. While it might seem like an easy way to get the child to take the medication, it can lead to issues with dosage accuracy and the child may develop an aversion to the food used to hide the medication. It is better to use transparent and honest methods to encourage cooperation.