The school nurse has been asked to begin teaching sex education in the 5th grade. Which statement should be the foundation for the information the nurse should present?

The correct answer is choice D: Verbalizing the importance of monitoring for medication side effects.

Choice A rationale:

Allowing the adolescent to make decisions about whether or not to take medication is important, but it is not the priority nursing goal for a 14-year-old diagnosed with Graves' disease. The priority is ensuring proper medication management and monitoring to control the thyroid dysfunction and prevent potential complications.

Choice B rationale:

Relieving constipation might be a consideration, but it is not the priority nursing goal for a 14-year-old diagnosed with Graves' disease. The primary focus is on addressing the thyroid-related issues and providing appropriate education and support to the adolescent.

Choice C rationale:

Developing alternative educational goals is not the priority nursing goal for a 14-year-old diagnosed with Graves' disease. While education is important, the immediate concern is managing the medical condition and ensuring the adolescent's well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Verbalizing the importance of monitoring for medication side effects is the priority nursing goal for a 14-year-old diagnosed with Graves' disease. Graves' disease is a thyroid disorder that requires medication management, typically involving antithyroid medications or other interventions. Monitoring for medication side effects ensures the adolescent's safety and helps to prevent adverse reactions or complications. It also empowers the adolescent to be vigilant about their health and medication regimen.

The correct answer is choice A. The cuff bladder covers 50% to 66% of the length of the upper arm.

Choice A rationale:

Selecting a blood pressure cuff with a bladder that covers 50% to 66% of the length of the upper arm is the appropriate criterion for determining the cuff size for a 2-year-old boy. This range ensures accurate blood pressure measurement by ensuring a proper fit on the arm. If the cuff bladder is too small or too large, it can result in inaccurate readings.

Choice B rationale:

The label "toddler" on the cuff might be helpful in identifying the intended age group, but it doesn't provide precise measurements for cuff sizing. Relying solely on a label might not account for variations in arm sizes within the toddler age group.

Choice C rationale:

The cuff bladder width being 40% of the circumference of the upper arm might not be as accurate as the length-based criterion. A cuff that fits the arm's length is more critical in ensuring proper inflation and accurate blood pressure measurement.

Choice D rationale:

The cuff bladder length covering 80% to 100% of the circumference of the upper arm might result in an excessively large cuff for a 2-year-old, which can lead to inaccurate readings. Length-based sizing is more appropriate for accuracy in this scenario.