The Public Health Nurse receives a report on the number of adults in the state who were admitted for substance abuse treatment.
Which location would the nurse recommend for education to address this health concern?

Choice A rationale:

During the orientation phase, the nurse and patient get to know each other and establish a plan of care, making this the correct choice.

Choice B rationale:

Identifying the patient’s coping mechanisms is typically part of the working phase, not the orientation phase.

Choice C rationale:

Determining if the patient has been helped is part of the termination phase, not the orientation phase.

Choice D rationale:

Asking the patient for the name they prefer could be done at any time, but it is not a specific action taken during the orientation phase.

The correct answer is Choice D: The patient has a history of dehydration and orthostatic hypotension.

Choice A rationale:

This statement provides situational information about the patient's current condition, which is typically covered under "Situation" in the SBAR technique.

Choice B rationale:

This statement involves recommendations for potential interventions and would be appropriate for the "Recommendation" section of the SBAR communication.

Choice C rationale:

This statement details the patient's current vital signs, which also falls under the "Situation" or "Assessment" sections rather than "Background".

Choice D rationale:

Providing the patient's history of dehydration and orthostatic hypotension is crucial background information that helps the healthcare team understand the context and potential reasons for the patient's current condition. Background information includes relevant medical history, which can significantly impact clinical decisions.