A nurse is planning to teach a client about taking prednisone.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

This action demonstrates the nurse’s role as an advocate and a resource person for the client, who might be eligible for financial assistance and health care coverage during her pregnancy and the postpartum period. Medicaid is a federal and state program that provides health insurance for low-income individuals and families.
Choice A is wrong because contacting the adolescent’s parent for assistance might violate the client’s confidentiality and autonomy, especially if the parent is not aware of or supportive of the pregnancy. The nurse should respect the client’s right to privacy and self-determination unless there is a risk of harm to the client or the fetus.
Choice C is wrong because referring the adolescent to a local mental health clinic might imply that the client has a mental disorder or needs psychological counseling, which could be stigmatizing and discouraging.
The nurse should assess the client’s emotional state and coping skills, and provide supportive and nonjudgmental care. The nurse can also offer referrals to other community resources, such as prenatal education, parenting classes, or social services, that might benefit the client.
Choice D is wrong because advising the adolescent to place the newborn for adoption might interfere with the client’s decision-making process and personal values.
The nurse should not impose his or her own opinions or beliefs on the client but rather explore the client’s feelings and preferences about her pregnancy options. The nurse should provide factual information and education about adoption, abortion, or parenting, and help the client weigh the benefits and risks of each option.

The correct answer is d. “Your desire to be an organ donor must be documented in writing.”

Rationale for Choice a:

• Statement:“Your name cannot be removed once you are listed on the organ donor list.”
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.Individuals have the right to change their minds about organ donation at any time.They can have their names removed from the organ donor list by contacting the appropriate registry or organization.It's essential for nurses to provide accurate information to ensure informed consent and respect for patient autonomy.

Rationale for Choice b:

• Statement:“You must be at least 21 years of age to become an organ donor.”
• Rationale:This statement is also incorrect.The age requirement for organ donation varies by jurisdiction.In many places,individuals under 18 years of age can register as organ donors with parental consent.Nurses should be familiar with local regulations to provide accurate guidance.

Rationale for Choice c:

• Statement:“I cannot be a witness for your consent to donate.”
• Rationale:While it's true that nurses generally cannot act as witnesses for organ donation consent,the focus of the response should be on directing the client to the appropriate channels for documentation.Nurses can play a role in facilitating the process by providing information and resources to clients who express interest in organ donation.

Rationale for Choice d:

• Statement:“Your desire to be an organ donor must be documented in writing.”
• Rationale:This is the correct response.To ensure clarity and legal validity,organ donation preferences must be documented in writing.This documentation can be done through various means,such as registering with an organ donor registry,indicating preferences on a driver's license,or completing an advance directive.Nurses should emphasize the importance of written documentation to protect the client's wishes.