A 14-year-old male is admitted after a sports injury.
He appears withdrawn and avoids eye contact with staff. What is the best nursing approach?
Offer privacy and allow the patient to express himself gradually.
Encourage him to discuss his emotions with his parents.
Focus only on physical care to avoid overwhelming him.
Assign him to a shared room to improve socialization.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Offering privacy and allowing gradual self-expression respects the adolescent's developmental stage, which often includes a need for autonomy and fear of judgment. Providing a non-threatening environment can reduce anxiety and build trust, fostering a sense of security that encourages the patient to open up when they feel ready, without feeling pressured or overwhelmed.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging immediate discussion with parents might be premature and perceived as a lack of understanding by the adolescent. Adolescents often value peer relationships and may find it difficult to express sensitive emotions to parents, especially after a traumatic event like an injury. This approach could increase their withdrawal and reluctance to communicate.
Choice C rationale
Focusing solely on physical care neglects the psychological and emotional needs of the adolescent, which are crucial for holistic recovery. Emotional distress can hinder physical healing and overall well-being. Avoiding emotional support can make the patient feel invalidated and isolated, potentially prolonging their withdrawal and emotional distress.
Choice D rationale
Assigning a withdrawn adolescent to a shared room without prior assessment or consent can exacerbate their anxiety and discomfort. While socialization is important, forcing it upon a patient who is already withdrawn can be counterproductive, potentially leading to increased stress and a further retreat into themselves rather than improving their social engagement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Folic acid is a B vitamin crucial for proper neural tube closure during embryonic development, typically completed by the 28th day after conception. Adequate intake, ideally 400-800 mcg daily for women of childbearing age, significantly reduces the risk of neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly by supporting DNA synthesis and repair.
Choice B rationale
Aspirin, while a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is not directly linked to neural tube defects. Its primary concern in pregnancy relates to potential bleeding risks, particularly in the third trimester, and premature closure of the ductus arteriosus, not neural tube formation.
Choice C rationale
Iron intake is essential for preventing maternal anemia during pregnancy, supporting increased red blood cell production, and fetal growth. However, iron supplementation does not have a direct preventative effect on neural tube defects, which are primarily associated with inadequate folate metabolism, not iron deficiency.
Choice D rationale
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), characterized by a range of physical, developmental, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. While alcohol is teratogenic, it does not specifically cause neural tube defects; rather, it impacts overall fetal development, particularly central nervous system development.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Persistent fever, elevated white blood cell count (normal range: 4,000-11,000 cells/µL), and increased pain after 72 hours of antibiotic treatment for osteomyelitis indicate a lack of therapeutic response. This suggests the current antibiotic regimen may be ineffective, or the infection is not responding as expected. Prompt notification of the provider is crucial for re-evaluation of the treatment plan, potential antibiotic adjustment, or further diagnostic investigation to prevent complications like sepsis or chronic osteomyelitis.
Choice B rationale
While pain management is important, requesting only oral analgesics addresses a symptom without addressing the underlying lack of improvement in the infection. Untreated or inadequately treated osteomyelitis can lead to significant morbidity. Prioritizing symptomatic relief over addressing the root cause can delay appropriate medical intervention and worsen the patient's condition.
Choice C rationale
While calcium (normal range: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL) is vital for bone health, encouraging calcium-rich foods is a long-term supportive measure for bone healing. It does not address the immediate and concerning signs of ongoing, uncontrolled infection. Addressing the active infection takes precedence over nutritional support for healing at this stage.
Choice D rationale
While antibiotic therapy does take time to show full effect, 72 hours with worsening symptoms, including elevated WBC, suggests the current therapy is failing. Reassuring the family without addressing these objective signs of non-improvement can delay necessary medical intervention and potentially harm the patient by allowing the infection to progress further.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.