A nurse is caring for a client who is requesting to go to the bathroom immediately after a vaginal birth. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Procuring platelet products from the blood bank is a task that should be performed by a licensed nurse, not an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). It involves assessing the client's needs, verifying orders, and administering the product, which require nursing judgment and skills.

Choice B rationale:

Titrating oxygen to prescribed parameters is a nursing task that requires clinical judgment, especially if the client's condition changes. UAPs do not have the training or scope of practice to adjust oxygen levels. This task should be assigned to a licensed nurse.

Choice D rationale:

Inserting a urinary catheter, even for an uncomplicated client, is a task that should be performed by a licensed nurse. It involves the potential risk of infection and injury, and it requires sterile technique and assessment of the client's condition. UAPs do not have the training or scope of practice to insert urinary catheters.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a phobia. This approach is consistent with exposure therapy, which is a widely recognized and effective treatment for phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation in a controlled and supportive environment. By doing so, the client can learn to confront and manage their fear over time. This approach is evidence-based and helps the client build resilience and reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety (Choice B) is not the first-line treatment for phobias. While benzodiazepines can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, they do not address the underlying phobia and can lead to dependence and tolerance with prolonged use. Moreover, they are generally reserved for acute anxiety episodes and not considered a primary treatment for phobias.

Choice C rationale:

Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias (Choice C) is a valuable component of treatment, but it alone may not be sufficient. Psychoeducation can help clients understand the nature of their phobia and reduce stigma, but it should be combined with evidence-based therapies like exposure therapy for comprehensive care.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety (Choice D) can be a helpful adjunct to treatment, but it is not the primary intervention for phobias. Relaxation techniques can be part of a broader strategy to reduce anxiety, but the client also needs exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the phobia directly.