A nurse is caring for four children in an emergency department. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

A. Veracity: Veracity refers to the ethical principle of truthfulness or honesty. By informing the client about the potential adverse effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and reassuring them that it should not affect their memory, the nurse is demonstrating truthfulness and providing accurate information to the client.
B. Fidelity: Fidelity pertains to the ethical principle of faithfulness or honoring commitments and promises made to clients. While important, fidelity is not directly demonstrated in this scenario.
C. Beneficence: Beneficence involves the ethical principle of doing good or acting in the best interest of the client to promote their well-being. While providing information about the potential adverse effects of TMS is aligned with beneficence, the specific action described in the scenario focuses more on truthfulness (veracity).
D. Autonomy: Autonomy refers to the ethical principle of respecting the client's right to make their own decisions and choices regarding their healthcare. While autonomy is important in healthcare decision-making, it is not directly demonstrated in this scenario, as the nurse is providing information rather than facilitating the client's decision-making process.

A. Establish a new routine for the child to follow while in the facility. - Preschoolers thrive on routines and familiarity, especially in unfamiliar environments like acute care facilities. Therefore, it's essential for the nurse to maintain the child's existing routine as much as possible to provide a sense of security and stability.
B. Encourage the child to play with toys such as a pounding board. - Encouraging play with age-appropriate toys helps promote normalcy, reduce anxiety, and facilitate coping for preschoolers during their hospital stay. Toys like a pounding board provide opportunities for physical activity and engagement, which can help distract and entertain the child.
C. Use medical terminology when discussing procedures with the child. - Preschoolers have limited understanding of complex medical terminology. Using simple, age-appropriate language helps the child better comprehend what is happening, reducing fear and anxiety. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to avoid medical jargon and use language the child can understand.
D. Perform the morning assessments when the parent is not in the room. - Preschoolers often feel more comfortable and secure when their parents are present, especially in unfamiliar environments like hospitals. Performing assessments in the presence of the parent helps maintain the child's sense of security and allows the parent to participate in the child's care and provide comfort and support.