A charge nurse is teaching new staff members about factors that increase a client’s risk to become violent.

Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include as the best predictor of future violence?

Hypertonicity is a sign of increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can indicate that the newborn is experiencing withdrawal from methadone exposure in utero. Methadone is an opioid medication that can cross the placenta and cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the newborn.

Choice A is wrong because it is a normal finding in newborns.

Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It usually resolves within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.

Choice B is wrong because it is not a typical sign of withdrawal.

Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually less than 100 beats per minute in newborns. It can be caused by hypoxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or vagal stimulation.

Choice C is wrong because it is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not withdrawal. Bulging fontanels can be caused by meningitis, hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage.

Normal ranges for newborn vital signs are as follows:

• Heart rate: 120 to 160 beats per minute
• Respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
• Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
• Blood pressure: 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic

The correct answer is Choice D, "We can provide a copy of your records, but the therapist's notes are not included."

Rationale for Choice A:

• Puts the client on the defensive:Asking "Why are you interested in seeing your therapist's notes?" can make the client feel like they need to justify their request,potentially leading to defensiveness or withdrawal.
• May not uncover true motivation:The client may not feel comfortable revealing their true reasons for wanting to see the notes,and this approach could hinder open communication.
• Undermines client autonomy:It's important to respect the client's right to access their own information,even if it's not always beneficial.Questioning their motives could make them feel less empowered in their treatment.

Rationale for Choice B:

• Paternalistic and dismissive:Saying "I don't think you will benefit from reviewing your therapist's notes right now" assumes that the nurse knows what's best for the client without exploring their perspective.
• Discourages open communication:It shuts down conversation and may prevent the client from expressing their concerns or needs.
• Could damage therapeutic relationship:By dismissing the client's request,the nurse risks eroding trust and rapport,which are essential for effective therapy.

Rationale for Choice C:

• Assumes dissatisfaction with treatment:Asking "Are you not happy with your treatment?" immediately focuses on potential problems rather than understanding the client's motivations.
• May not be accurate:The client's request may not stem from dissatisfaction with treatment but rather from curiosity,a desire for control,or other reasons.
• Could create unnecessary anxiety:Raising concerns about treatment satisfaction without proper exploration could create anxiety or doubts in the client's mind.

Rationale for Choice D:

• Clear and informative:It directly addresses the client's request while providing accurate information about the availability of records.
• Protects therapist's notes:It upholds the therapist's right to maintain confidentiality of their thought processes and clinical impressions.
• Offers alternative solutions:It suggests that the client can access other parts of their record,potentially addressing their underlying need for information.
• Professional and respectful:It maintains professional boundaries and respects the client's right to information without disclosing protected notes.