A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a school-age child who has ADHD and a new prescription for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

The nurse should maintain continuous observation of the adolescent.

Choice A reason:

The first and most crucial action when a patient expresses an intention to self-harm is to ensure their safety. By maintaining continuous observation, the nurse can closely monitor the adolescent's behavior and intervene promptly if any signs of self-harm emerge. This action helps prevent immediate harm and allows for timely interventions.

Choice B reason:

Applying wrist restraints to the adolescent (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation. Restraints are typically used as a last resort for patients who pose a danger to themselves or others and only when less restrictive measures have failed. In the case of self- harm, using restraints can increase the patient's distress and potentially worsen the situation.

Choice C reason:

Collecting data about the adolescent's mental status (Choice C) is an essential step in understanding their overall condition, but it should not be the first action taken. While gathering data is important for a comprehensive assessment, immediate safety concerns must take precedence.

Choice D reason:

Obtaining consent from the adolescent's guardian for the application of restraints (Choice D) is not the first priority when the patient expresses an intention to self-harm. The focus should be on ensuring the patient's immediate safety, and consent for restraints may be necessary only if other interventions prove inadequate.

The fracture does not cross through the bone. Choice A reason:

The statement in Choice A is incorrect because it describes a greenstick fracture as the bone bending and causing a microscopic fracture line. This is not true for a greenstick fracture. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone bends and partially breaks on one side while remaining intact on the other side. The rationale for this is that pediatric bones are more flexible than adult bones, and when a force is applied, they tend to bend rather than completely break.

Choice B reason:

Choice B is the correct answer. A greenstick fracture does not cross through the bone; it involves only one side of the bone being broken while the other side remains intact. This type of fracture is common in children because their bones are still developing and contain more collagen, making them more flexible and prone to bending rather than breaking completely.

Choice C reason:

The statement in Choice C is incorrect because it describes a different type of fracture. A compressed fracture involves the bone being crushed or shortened, leading to a raised area at the fracture site. This is not characteristic of a greenstick fracture, which involves bending and partial breakage rather than compression.

Choice D reason:

The statement in Choice D is incorrect because it describes a complete fracture that completely divides the bone into two separate pieces. A greenstick fracture, as explained earlier, is an incomplete fracture and does not completely divide the bone.