A nurse is collecting data from a client who has heart failure.
The nurse notes the client has crackles in the bases of the lungs, shortness of breath, and a respiratory rate of 24/min.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale: Countertransference is not the appropriate concept in this scenario. Countertransference refers to the nurse's emotional response to the client, which may be based on the nurse's unresolved issues and can negatively affect the therapeutic relationship. In this case, the nurse's actions are not driven by unresolved issues but by a desire to meet the client's basic needs.

Choice B rationale: Promoting trust is the most suitable explanation for the nurse's actions. By interrupting the bath and providing a healthy meal to a newly admitted client who hasn't eaten all day, the nurse is demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a commitment to meeting the client's physiological needs. This action helps build trust between the nurse and the client, as the client can see that their well-being is a priority.

Choice C rationale: Boundary crossing refers to actions that may blur or violate professional boundaries between a nurse and a client. While the nurse is going beyond the routine bath to provide a meal, this action is justified by the client's immediate need and doesn't constitute an inappropriate boundary crossing. The nurse is still maintaining professionalism in caring for the client.

Choice D rationale: Veracity is the principle of truth-telling and honesty in healthcare. It doesn't directly apply to this situation since the nurse's actions are not about providing information or disclosing something to the client. Instead, the nurse's primary concern is the client's nutritional well-being.

Choice A rationale:

Sarcoptes scabiei is the causative agent of scabies, a contagious skin infestation. While scabies is a communicable disease, it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. Scabies is usually treated at the individual or community level, and reporting to the state health department is not required.

Choice B rationale:

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is a notifiable disease, and healthcare providers are required to report cases of gonorrhea to the state health department. This is because gonorrhea is a significant public health concern due to its potential complications and the need for contact tracing and prevention.

Choice C rationale:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection, but it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. HPV can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. However, reporting HPV cases is not a standard practice because it is highly prevalent and usually managed at the individual level through screening and vaccination programs.

Choice D rationale:

Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. While it is contagious, impetigo is not typically a reportable disease to the state health department. Like scabies, impetigo is usually managed at the individual or community level, and reporting is not a standard requirement.