A nurse is reinforcing teaching about colostrum with a new mother who is breastfeeding.
The mother asks, "Why is colostrum so important for my baby?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

The correct answer is: a. The client’s date of birth.

Choice A reason: The client’s date of birth is a critical identifier in healthcare settings. It is unique to the individual and does not change, making it a reliable way to confirm a patient’s identity. This is especially important in acute care settings where accurate patient identification is crucial for safe medication administration. Using the date of birth along with another identifier, such as the patient’s name, aligns with the best practices for patient safety.

Choice B reason: While a client’s full medical diagnosis is important information for a nurse to know, it is not used as an identifier for medication administration. The diagnosis helps inform treatment decisions and care planning but does not uniquely identify a patient. Multiple patients could have the same diagnosis, which could lead to medication errors if used as an identifier.

Choice C reason: A client’s telephone number is not a standard identifier used in healthcare settings for medication administration. Telephone numbers can change and are not unique to an individual. They also do not provide immediate verification of a patient’s identity at the bedside.

Choice D reason: The room number of the client is not a primary identifier for patient identification in medication administration. Room numbers are not unique to individuals and can change if a patient is moved. It is possible for errors to occur if room numbers are used as the sole identifier, as another patient could be in that room at a different time.

Choice A rationale:

The appropriate response by the nurse in this situation is to consider the client's request and check with the charge nurse to see if it's possible to adjust the smoke breaks. This response demonstrates a willingness to listen to the client's request and explore the possibility of accommodating their needs within the unit's policies and routines. It does not immediately grant the request but shows respect for the client's concerns and attempts to find a compromise.

Choice B rationale:

Asking the client why they feel extra smoke breaks should be allowed is not the best response. It may come across as confrontational and defensive, which can escalate the situation. Clients with antisocial personality disorder may have difficulty adhering to rules, so it's essential to approach their requests with a collaborative and problem-solving attitude.

Choice C rationale:

Offering an extra smoke break in exchange for participation in group therapy is not an appropriate response. It can be seen as manipulating the client or using rewards to control their behavior. It's essential to maintain clear boundaries and not use rewards or punishments as a means of managing clients with personality disorders.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client the smoking times on the unit are after each meal is not an appropriate response either. It doesn't address the client's request and simply restates the unit's policy. It's important to engage in a more therapeutic and client-centered approach when responding to requests from individuals with personality disorders.