A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old adolescent who was accompanied to the emergency department.
The nurse suspects that the adolescent might be experiencing human trafficking.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Contact the appropriate hospital and law enforcement resources and follow organizational protocols.
Avoid conversations or tasks that may upset the adolescent or the accompanying person.
Dismiss suspicions since the nurse is not able to assist victims of human trafficking.
Confront the person accompanying the adolescent.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The nurse has a professional and ethical responsibility to act on suspicions of human trafficking. Contacting the appropriate hospital resources and law enforcement is crucial for the safety and well-being of the adolescent. This action aligns with established protocols for identifying and reporting suspected abuse or exploitation, ensuring a coordinated and protective response. It is a mandatory reporting situation in many jurisdictions.
Choice B rationale
Avoiding potentially upsetting conversations could compromise the ability to assess the situation and provide necessary assistance. The nurse must prioritize the client's safety, which may involve delicate but necessary interactions to gather information and build trust. While a non-confrontational approach is preferred, avoiding conversation entirely is not a viable strategy.
Choice C rationale
This statement is incorrect as nurses are frontline healthcare providers and are often the first point of contact for victims. Nurses have a professional and legal obligation to report suspected human trafficking. Dismissing suspicions would violate ethical principles and potentially perpetuate the victim's exploitation by failing to initiate the necessary protective measures.
Choice D rationale
Confronting the accompanying person could escalate the situation and place the adolescent and the nurse in a more dangerous position. A direct confrontation is not the recommended action and could alert the suspected trafficker, potentially leading to further harm to the victim or preventing the victim from receiving help. The proper procedure is to report suspicions discreetly to the authorities. *.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Enforcing strict adherence to protocol, while important for safety, does not address the underlying issue of trust and communication. It can create a rigid environment where nurses are afraid to report deviations or voice concerns, which may lead to suppressed issues and a "punitive" culture rather than a collaborative one. This approach stifles rather than encourages open dialogue.
Choice B rationale
Advocating solely for the physician's viewpoint reinforces the power imbalance that is at the root of the communication breakdown. This approach invalidates the nurses' experiences and concerns, further alienating them and eroding trust. It fails to create a balanced, respectful environment where all team members feel heard and valued, which is critical for effective communication.
Choice C rationale
Coaching nurses on "proper" ways to address physicians may not be effective if the physicians themselves are not receptive. This strategy places the burden of change entirely on the nurses without addressing the potential role of the physicians' behavior in the miscommunication. It can be perceived as a one-sided solution that perpetuates a hierarchical and unequal communication dynamic.
Choice D rationale
Implementing anonymous feedback channels offers a safe space for nurses to voice concerns without fear of reprisal, directly addressing their hesitation. This strategy makes giving and receiving feedback a normalized, less intimidating process. It allows management to identify systemic communication issues and demonstrates a commitment to hearing all voices, building a foundation of trust and psychological safety for the team. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This patient is in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition. The respiratory rate of 32 is consistent with Kussmaul respirations, a compensatory mechanism to blow off excess carbon dioxide and correct the metabolic acidosis. The low blood pressure and high heart rate indicate hypovolemia and a compensatory response to shock. This patient is at high risk for cardiovascular collapse and requires immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
The patient with a respiratory infection and productive cough is stable. The vital signs are within a range that indicates a non-emergent state, and while a respiratory rate of 25 is elevated, it is not as critical as the patient in DKA. This patient is a priority but can wait for treatment after more critical patients are stabilized.
Choice C rationale
The patient with a fractured tibia has a severe injury, but the vital signs are stable. The respiratory rate of 18 and heart rate of 86 are within normal limits (RR: 12-20, HR: 60-100). This indicates that there is no immediate threat to life. While the patient is in pain and needs treatment, they are not a high priority for triage and can be seen after more unstable patients.
Choice D rationale
Burns to the face and chest can lead to airway compromise, but the vital signs are stable and do not indicate immediate distress. The patient's respiratory rate of 24 is elevated but not critical, and the blood pressure and heart rate are within a stable range. Airway patency is the primary concern, but without signs of impending collapse, this patient is not the highest priority compared to the DKA patient
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