A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. A client who reports that he enjoys smoking marijuana on weekends:
This situation involves an individual admitting to recreational drug use. While marijuana use might be illegal in some jurisdictions, it is generally not a reportable offense by itself unless it involves a minor. However, the nurse should educate the client about the potential risks associated with drug use.

B. A client who reports that she took $20 from the cash register where she works:
This scenario involves a confession of theft. While stealing is a legal offense, it does not fall under the category of mandatory reporting unless it involves abuse or neglect of a vulnerable population (such as elderly individuals in a care facility). The appropriate action here would be for the nurse to address the issue within the facility's protocols, but it does not require reporting to an external agency.

C. A client who reports lying to his provider about having suicidal ideation:
This situation involves dishonesty with a healthcare provider. While it is concerning behavior, it does not typically fall under the category of mandatory reporting. Instead, it highlights the importance of addressing trust issues and ensuring open communication between the client and healthcare providers.

D. A client who reports that her partner ties their child to a bed as punishment:
This scenario involves a report of child abuse. Tying a child to a bed as punishment can be considered a form of physical abuse and a violation of the child's safety and well-being. Healthcare professionals, including nurses, are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse or neglect. They are required by law to report such incidents to the appropriate child protective services agency to ensure the safety of the child involved.

A. A family member of the client:
Using a family member might seem like a natural choice, but it could lead to issues of confidentiality, especially if the client does not want their family to know about their situation. Moreover, there could be bias or hesitancy to discuss certain matters in the presence of a family member.

B. A translator of the same gender as the client:
This choice is ideal because individuals might feel more comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics with someone of the same gender due to cultural or personal reasons. This can foster trust and open communication, crucial in support groups addressing sensitive matters like substance use disorders.

C. A unit secretary who speaks the same language as the client:
While this person might be fluent in the language, their role as a unit secretary might create discomfort for the client. They may not feel as at ease discussing personal issues with someone in a different professional role, even if they share the same language.

D. Another client who speaks the same language as the client:
While peer support can be beneficial, using another client as a translator can compromise the confidentiality and professionalism of the support group. It’s important to maintain boundaries and ensure that communication is facilitated by a professional translator or staff member, especially in sensitive and confidential settings like therapy or support groups.