A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has full-thickness burns on their leg. The client expresses concern about their future. Which of the following is a therapeutic response by the nurse?

A. Assault:

Assault occurs when one person intentionally threatens or causes another person to fear that they will be touched without their consent. In this situation, the nurse is threatening to administer medication by injection (an unwanted touch) as a consequence for not swallowing pills.

B. Invasion of privacy:

Invasion of privacy involves the unauthorized intrusion into an individual's personal matters. The nurse's statement does not relate to invading the client's privacy; it involves a threat related to the administration of medication.

C. Defamation:

Defamation involves making false statements that harm the reputation of another person. The nurse's statement is not making false statements about the client but rather threatening a specific action if a behavior is not followed.

D. Battery:

Battery occurs when there is intentional physical contact with another person without their consent. While the nurse's statement involves the administration of medication, the threat itself is considered assault. If the threat is carried out, and the medication is administered against the client's will, it would then be considered battery.

A. Combining medications with the formula in the feeding bag:

This is not recommended because it may lead to interactions between the medications and the enteral feeding formula. Medications may also adhere to the tubing or interfere with the absorption of nutrients from the feeding formula.

B. Diluting each crushed medication with warm water:

While diluting medications may be necessary for some drugs, it is not a general rule for all medications. Additionally, dilution with warm water may not be appropriate for all drugs, and the amount of water needed may vary. It's safer to use a standardized method, such as flushing the tube with sterile water.

C. Mixing the medications together in a single syringe:

This is generally not recommended because different medications may have incompatible properties or form precipitates when mixed together. Mixing medications in a single syringe can compromise the effectiveness of each medication and may lead to unpredictable reactions.

D. Flush the NG tube with 5 mL of sterile water for irrigation prior to administration:

Flushing the tube with sterile water helps ensure that the tube is clear of any residual formula, preventing potential interactions between the medication and the enteral feeding. It also helps clear the tube, reducing the risk of clogs or blockages. Using sterile water helps maintain aseptic technique.