The nurse is entering prescriptions for lab work in a client's electronic medical record (EMR) when the system locks up and does not restart. Which action should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason:This option is the most therapeutic because it is open-ended and invites the client to express feelings and experiences about the visit. By encouraging the client to talk, the nurse provides an opportunity for the client to explore emotions, which could explain why they became isolative afterward. Open-ended questions also demonstrate interest and support, which fosters trust and promotes communication in therapeutic relationships.

Choice B reason:Asking if the client would like to talk is supportive, but it is too vague and closed-ended. The client may simply answer “yes” or “no,” which does not facilitate deeper exploration of feelings. While it offers availability, it is not as therapeutic as directly encouraging discussion about the observed event, the visit.

Choice C reason: This is a less therapeutic response as it assumes that the client enjoyed the visit. It may not reflect the client's true feelings or experiences. It also limits the client's expression to positive aspects only.

Choice D reason: This is a non-therapeutic response as it labels the client's emotion without validation. It may not accurately describe the client's feeling or situation. It also closes the communication by making a statement instead of asking a question.

The correct answer is A. Start collecting the specimen with the next void.

Choice A reason: The 4-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance should start with an empty bladder. The first urine of the day is discarded and the time is noted. All subsequent urine for the next 4 hours, including the first urine the following day, should be collected. If the first sample was put in the urinal hours ago and was not collected, the nurse should start collecting the specimen with the next void.

Choice B reason: Beginning the collection the next day would delay the test and may not be necessary. The test should ideally start after the first urine of the day is discarded.

Choice C reason: Observing the sample for sediment is not typically part of the procedure for a 4-hour urine collection for creatinine clearance. The focus is on collecting all urine for a specified period, not on the physical characteristics of the sample.

Choice D reason: Emptying the sample into the 4-hour container would be incorrect if the sample was the first urine of the day, which should be discarded. The collection should start with the next void.