A 9-year-old boy is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). Which stage of Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development is the nurse addressing when teaching this client about insulin injections?

Choice A reason: Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics is not the first action that the nurse should take. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection and inflammation caused by appendicitis, but they are not enough to prevent the complications of a ruptured appendix. The nurse should administer the antibiotics as ordered, but only after notifying the healthcare provider of the change in the child's condition.

Choice B reason: Inquiring about the client's last meal is not the first action that the nurse should take. The last meal may be relevant for the preparation of the surgery, but it is not urgent or related to the sudden relief of pain. The nurse should ask about the last meal as part of the preoperative assessment, but only after contacting the healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: Contacting the healthcare provider is the first action that the nurse should take. Sudden relief of pain in a child with appendicitis may indicate a perforation or rupture of the appendix, which is a life-threatening emergency. The nurse should immediately report this finding to the healthcare provider, who may order additional tests or expedite the surgery.

Choice D reason: Documenting the client's relief of pain is not the first action that the nurse should take. Documentation is an important part of nursing care, but it is not a priority in this situation. The nurse should document the child's pain level, vital signs, and interventions, but only after contacting the healthcare provider and taking appropriate actions.

Choice A reason: Asking the boy to describe a typical day at school is the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This can help the nurse identify any possible sources of stress or anxiety that may be causing the boy's physical symptoms. The nurse can also provide emotional support and guidance to the boy and his parents on how to cope with the school-related challenges.

Choice B reason: Conducting a complete neurological assessment is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This is not necessary unless the boy has other signs of neurological problems, such as seizures, vision changes, or altered mental status. A neurological assessment may also be invasive and uncomfortable for the boy and may increase his anxiety.

Choice C reason: Counseling the parents to pay more attention to the child is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may imply that the parents are neglectful or irresponsible, which may not be true. The nurse should avoid making assumptions or judgments about the parents' behavior and instead collaborate with them to find the best solutions for the child's well-being.

Choice D reason: Comparing the child's vital signs over the past three weeks is not the best intervention that the nurse can implement. This may not provide much useful information, as the child's vital signs may vary depending on the time of day, activity level, and emotional state. The nurse should focus more on the child's subjective complaints and psychosocial factors.