A nurse is caring for an adolescent who states, "I failed my math exam because the teacher doesn't like athletes." The nurse should identify that the adolescent is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

Choice A rationale:

Stimulate the infant to cry. Stimulating the infant to cry is an important step in newborn care, as crying helps to clear the respiratory passages and establish effective breathing. However, it should not be the first action taken, as there are more immediate priorities in newborn care.

Choice B rationale:

Clear the respiratory tract. Clearing the respiratory tract should be the first action taken when caring for a newborn following a vaginal delivery. The newborn may have mucus or amniotic fluid in the airway, which can obstruct breathing. Clearing the airway ensures that the infant can breathe effectively. This action takes precedence over other tasks.

Choice C rationale:

Dry the infant off and cover the head. Drying the infant off and covering the head is important for maintaining the infant's temperature and preventing heat loss. However, it is not the first priority when compared to clearing the respiratory tract. Establishing effective breathing is of utmost importance.

Choice D rationale:

Clamp the umbilical cord. Clamping the umbilical cord is typically done after the baby is breathing and stable. It is an important step in the immediate post-delivery care, but it should not be the first action taken. Clearing the respiratory tract and ensuring the infant can breathe take precedence.

The correct answer is a. Plan to remove the restraints as soon as the client is calm.

Choice A reason: The primary goal after applying restraints is to ensure the safety of the client and others. Once the client is calm, planning for the removal of restraints is essential to maintain the client’s dignity and to adhere to ethical standards of minimizing restraint use.

Choice B reason: While offering snacks is part of general care, it is not specifically related to the immediate action required following the application of restraints. Nutritional needs should be addressed, but they do not take precedence over the assessment and potential removal of restraints.

Choice C reason: Ensuring that a prescription for restraints is signed within 48 hours is a legal requirement, but it is not the immediate action to be taken following the application of restraints. The focus should be on the client’s current state and reassessing the need for continued restraint.

Choice D reason: Monitoring the client’s range of motion every 60 minutes is important to prevent complications from restraint, such as contractures or muscle atrophy. However, this is secondary to the immediate reassessment of the need for restraint and planning for its removal as soon as the client is calm.