A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct answer: B

A.Family presence can provide comfort and support to the toddler, making mealtimes a more positive experience. It can also encourage the child to eat more by setting a good example. However, without first understanding the child's dietary habits and possible issues, this intervention might not address the root cause of the poor intake.

B.The nurse’sfirst actionin caring for a toddler with poor dietary intake should be toobtain the child’s dietary history. Understanding the child’s current eating habits, preferences, and any potential barriers to adequate nutrition is essential for planning appropriate interventions. Once the dietary history is obtained, the nurse can tailor further actions based on the specific needs of the child.

C.Offering nutritious snacks can help increase the child's overall calorie and nutrient intake, which is particularly important if the child has a low appetite during regular meals. Nevertheless, this step should follow the assessment of the child's dietary history to ensure that the snacks offered are appropriate and to avoid potential allergies or intolerances.

D.Positive reinforcement can encourage healthy eating behaviors and make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for the child. Praising the child can motivate them to eat more. However, this should be done after understanding the child's eating patterns and preferences to ensure that the praise is given in a context that promotes effective and lasting change.

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.