A nurse is caring for a child who reports being physically abused by a family member. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Explanation:

A. Have a pen and paper.

Having a pen and paper can be helpful during the conversation as it allows the nurse to jot down important points, keywords, or reminders. However, it's not directly related to active listening itself but can aid in retaining and recalling information.

B. Use intermittent eye contact.

Intermittent eye contact is a crucial aspect of active listening. It shows that the nurse is engaged and attentive to the client's communication. However, it's essential to maintain a balance and avoid prolonged staring, which can be perceived as intimidating or intrusive.

C. Sit side-by-side with the client.

Sitting side-by-side with the client can create a sense of partnership and equality in the conversation. It can also help in establishing a comfortable and open environment for communication, which is beneficial for active listening.

D. Lean back in the chair.

Leaning back in the chair can convey a relaxed and open posture, which can contribute to a positive communication atmosphere. However, it's crucial to maintain an attentive posture and avoid appearing disinterested or unengaged.

Explanation:

A. Administer the Hamilton depression scale:

The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale is a tool used to assess the severity of depression symptoms in individuals. While assessing the client's depression level is an important aspect of mental health assessment, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The client has been admitted following a suicide attempt, indicating an acute risk to their safety. Therefore, the priority at this stage is to ensure the client's safety and prevent any further harm or attempts at self-harm.

B. Make a contract with the client for weight gain:

Making a contract with the client for weight gain, especially in the context of anorexia nervosa, may be an important aspect of the client's overall treatment plan. However, in this scenario, the client's immediate safety takes precedence. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, and anorexia nervosa, and the primary concern at admission is to prevent any further self-harm or suicide attempts.

C. Review the client's toxicology laboratory report:

Reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report is important for understanding any recent substance abuse and its potential impact on the client's physical and mental health. However, while this information is relevant to the client's overall care, it is not the first action to take upon admission. The immediate priority is to ensure the client's safety and provide appropriate monitoring and intervention to prevent further harm.

D. Initiate one-to-one nursing observation:

This is the correct answer. Initiating one-to-one nursing observation means assigning a dedicated nurse to continuously monitor and supervise the client closely. This level of observation is crucial in a situation where there is a history of suicide attempt and ongoing risk of self-harm. One-to-one observation allows for immediate intervention if the client shows signs of distress or attempts to harm themselves, ensuring their safety while they are in the acute mental health unit.