A nurse is caring for a client who reports vomiting and diarrhea for the past 6 hours. The nurse should identify that which of the following assessments is the priority?

Choice A rationale:

A nurse cannot provide basic treatment information to the client's employer without the client's explicit consent. This information falls under the client's confidentiality rights and cannot be shared without proper authorization.

Choice B rationale:

While a nurse can inform the client about the risks and benefits of electroconvulsive therapy, this statement does not encompass the entirety of the client's rights. Clients have the right to be informed about the risks and benefits of all treatments, not just electroconvulsive therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Clients on a mental health unit who are admitted voluntarily have the right to leave against medical advice, as long as they are deemed capable of making that decision. Voluntary admission does not negate a client's autonomy to make decisions about their own care.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Clients on a mental health unit have the right to refuse their medication, as long as they are deemed competent to make that decision. This is an important aspect of respecting a client's autonomy and informed consent, even in a mental health setting. However, if a client's refusal poses a serious risk to their health or the health of others, healthcare providers may need to take appropriate actions while respecting legal and ethical standards.

Choice A rationale:

Setting target dates for completion is an important step, but it should come after goals and objectives have been established. Goals and objectives provide the foundation for developing a timeline and action plan.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying areas of support is valuable, but it's not the next immediate action after developing the initial plan. Before seeking support, the nurse should clarify the goals and objectives to ensure that the support is aligned with the intended outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Determining goals and objectives is the next logical step after developing the initial plan. Goals and objectives help guide the committee's work and ensure that the policy revisions are purposeful and aligned with the desired outcomes.

Choice D rationale:

Implementing recommended strategies is a subsequent action that follows the establishment of goals and objectives. Without clear goals and objectives, the strategies might lack direction and cohesiveness.