A nurse is caring for an adolescent who lives on their own and is refusing treatment. Which of the following statements should the nurse make? You can only refuse treatment for STI testing.

Birth weight has doubled.

Choice A reason:

The nurse should not expect a positive Babinski sign in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. The Babinski sign is a reflex seen in infants up to about 1 year of age and disappears as the nervous system matures. Its presence in a 4-year-old would be abnormal and may indicate neurological issues.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should not expect birth height to double in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. While children do experience significant growth in their early years, it is unlikely that birth height will have doubled by the age of 4. Doubling of birth height would be an atypical finding.

Choice C reason:

The correct choice. The nurse should expect that the child's birth weight has doubled during a well-child visit. From birth to age 4, children typically experience substantial weight gain, and doubling of birth weight is a common milestone in healthy development.

Choice D reason:

The nurse should not expect the presence of permanent teeth in a 4-year-old child during a well-child visit. Permanent teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 years of age and continue to erupt over the following years. The appearance of permanent teeth at age 4 would be premature and unusual.

Choice B reason: The nurse should ask the client if they have had thoughts about harming their infant. This is a crucial action because the client's statement suggests they may be experiencing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt as a mother, which could potentially lead to more serious thoughts or actions. By directly asking about thoughts of harming the baby, the nurse can assess the client's mental and emotional state more thoroughly and determine if there is a risk of harm to the infant.

Choice A reason:

The nurse should advise the client that most new mothers experience these feelings. This response acknowledges the client's feelings of inadequacy and normalizes their experience, letting them know that it is common for new mothers to have doubts and insecurities. This validation can help the client feel less alone and more understood, promoting a therapeutic nurse-client relationship.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should explain to the client that they are experiencing the "baby blues.” This is a valid option because the client's statement indicates they may be experiencing mood swings, sadness, and emotional sensitivity, which are typical symptoms of the baby blues. Providing this information can help the client understand that these feelings are transient and often related to hormonal changes after childbirth.

Choice D reason:

Taking the client to the emergency department is not warranted based solely on the information provided. The client's statement does not indicate an immediate danger to themselves or their baby. However, if during the assessment (including choice B), the nurse identifies any signs of potential harm to the infant or the client, further action may be necessary, such as involving appropriate mental health professionals or support services.