The practical nurse (PN) is feeding a 2-month-old male infant with heart failure due to a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Which intervention should the PN implement?

Choice A reason:

Requesting that the man get up and leave disregards the client's autonomy and right to privacy. It can be seen as intrusive and disrespectful, potentially causing embarrassment and distress to the client. In a long-term care facility, residents have the right to engage in consensual relationships. By asking the man to leave, the nurse would be infringing on the client's personal rights and freedoms. This action could also damage the trust and rapport between the nurse and the client, making future interactions more difficult.

Choice B reason:

Reporting the incident to the family breaches the client's confidentiality and privacy. The client has the right to engage in consensual relationships without family interference unless there are concerns about safety or capacity. Involving the family in such personal matters without the client's consent can lead to unnecessary conflict and distress. It is important for healthcare providers to respect the client's autonomy and confidentiality, ensuring that their personal choices are honored and protected.

Choice C reason:

Exiting the room and quietly closing the door respects the client's privacy and autonomy. It acknowledges their right to intimate relationships and maintains their dignity. This action demonstrates respect for the client's personal space and choices, fostering a supportive and respectful environment. By quietly exiting, the nurse avoids causing embarrassment or discomfort, allowing the client to maintain their dignity and privacy. This approach aligns with ethical principles in healthcare, emphasizing respect for the client's autonomy and personal rights.

Choice D reason:

Asking when the nurse should return interrupts the client's private moment. It can be handled more discreetly by returning later without disturbing them. This action, while less intrusive than asking the man to leave, still fails to fully respect the client's privacy. By asking when to return, the nurse is drawing attention to the situation, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort. A more respectful approach would be to quietly exit and return at a later time, ensuring that the client's privacy is maintained.

This is the most important complication for the practical nurse (PN) to anticipate because it is a common and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in clients with severe burns. Curling's ulcer, also known as stress ulcer, is a type of peptic ulcer that develops in the stomach or duodenum as a result of stress, shock, trauma, or burns. It is caused by decreased blood flow and increased acid secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which damages the mucosal lining and leads to ulceration and bleeding.

The PN should anticipate Curling's ulcer in a client who experienced partial-thickness burns over 30% of the body surface area (BSA) 3 days ago, as this is a major risk factor for developing stress ulcers. The PN should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of Curling's ulcer, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, and anemia. The PN should also administer prophylactic medications such as antacids, histamine-2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors as prescribed by the health care provider.