A nurse is caring for a female client who requires bed rest and reports difficulty urinating into a bedpan.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to gently stroke her lower abdomen is the appropriate action in this situation. Gentle stroking or tapping on the lower abdomen can stimulate the bladder reflex and promote urination. This technique can help clients who have difficulty voiding, especially when using a bedpan. It encourages relaxation of the pelvic muscles, making it easier for the client to urinate.

Choice A rationale:

Turning on the faucets in the client's sink is not a recommended action for promoting urination. While the sound of running water can sometimes trigger the need to urinate, it may not be effective for every individual. Moreover, this action may not be practical or feasible in all healthcare settings.

Choice C rationale:

Instructing the client to lean slightly backward is not an appropriate action for promoting urination. Leaning backward can put pressure on the bladder, which may make it more challenging for the client to urinate. Encouraging relaxation and using techniques like gentle abdominal stroking are more effective in this situation.

Choice D rationale:

Pouring cool water over the client's perineum is not a recommended action for promoting urination. While some individuals find warm water soothing and relaxing, pouring cold water may cause discomfort and stress, making it even more difficult for the client to urinate. Gentle stimulation and relaxation techniques are generally more effective.

- A. Discussing the suspicion of physical abuse with the provider is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. However, this should be done after the matter is reported to child protection services.

- B. Confronting the parents with the suspicion of physical abuse is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it can escalate the situation and endanger the child or the nurse.

- C. Asking the hospital security to detain and question the parents is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take, as it violates the parents' rights and may interfere with the legal process.

- D.Contacting Child Protective Services is appropriate action for the nurse to take at this point as it is the nurse's legal responsibility to do so.