A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED).

Exhibits

Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Choice A rationale:
Placing a toddler in a side-lying position on the affected side after administering otic medication is not recommended. This position can cause the medication to leak out, reducing its effectiveness, and can also increase the risk of infection. It's important to keep the medication in the ear canal for an adequate amount of time to allow it to work properly.
Choice B rationale:
Allowing the medication to reach room temperature prior to administration is not a critical step for otic medications. While warming certain medications can reduce discomfort, this is not a specific requirement for ear drops. Ensuring the cleanliness of the ear, proper positioning, and correct administration technique are more important.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. Sitting the child in an upright position is the recommended approach for administering otic medication. This position helps ensure that the medication remains in the ear canal and is not immediately expelled. It also facilitates better penetration of the medication into the ear canal, increasing its effectiveness.
Choice D rationale:
Gently pulling a child's ear upward is a technique used for administering otic medications to straighten the ear canal and allow better access to the medication. However, this step alone is not sufficient. Proper positioning of the child is equally important to prevent the medication from leaking out.

Choice A rationale:
A 15-year-old client who requests testing for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is seeking healthcare related to sexual health, which is often considered confidential. In many jurisdictions, minors of a certain age (often 12 or older) have the legal right to consent to STI testing and treatment without parental consent. While education on sexual health and responsible decision-making is important, in this case, the nurse may not need to involve the parent if the legal requirements are met.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. Minors generally require parental consent for medical procedures, including biopsies. A biopsy involves a medical intervention that can carry risks, and it is important to have informed parental consent for procedures on underage clients.
Choice C rationale:
A 16-year-old client who requires prenatal care for pregnancy is not applicable in this scenario. Prenatal care is focused on managing the health and well-being of a pregnant individual and their developing fetus. The question does not provide information that suggests this situation.
Choice D rationale:
A 13-year-old client who requests contraception advice may have the right to access contraception services without parental consent, depending on local laws and regulations. Many places allow minors to access contraception services confidentially, recognizing the importance of sexual health and preventing unintended pregnancies. However, it's always important for healthcare providers to assess each situation and the applicable legal framework to determine whether parental involvement is required.