A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrical burn. With the client’s permission, the nurse is answering questions from the family about his status.

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. He has an electrical burn, which caused coagulation of some tissues:

This response provides more detailed information about the nature of the electrical burn, mentioning tissue coagulation. However, it may be more information than the family needs at this point, and it's important to balance providing information with respecting the client's privacy.

B. He is doing well, although he might be in the hospital for some time:

While this response aims to reassure the family about the client's general status, it might not be entirely accurate or provide specific information about the client's condition. It's important to be transparent while respecting the client's privacy.

C. He does not appear to have much damage and should be fine soon:

This response may provide a sense of reassurance to the family, but it might oversimplify the situation. It's important to provide accurate and honest information while respecting the client's privacy.

D. He has an electrical burn. He is stable, and we will update you with any changes:

This response acknowledges the type of injury, assures the family that the client is stable, and communicates a commitment to keeping the family informed of any changes. It strikes a balance between providing some information and maintaining the client's privacy and confidentiality.

A. The client:

The client is the most reliable source of information about their own health. Direct communication with the client allows the nurse to gather details about their symptoms, medical history, current health status, and any other relevant information. This is crucial for accurate assessment and care planning.

B. Progress note:

Progress notes are documentation by healthcare providers that summarize the client's clinical status, interventions, and responses to care. While progress notes can provide valuable information, they are not always as up-to-date as direct communication with the client.

C. Medical history:

The medical history contains information about the client's past health conditions, treatments, and surgeries. While important, medical history may not capture the most recent or current information, especially if there have been recent changes in the client's health.

D. Family information:

Family information can provide additional context, support, and insights into the client's health. However, it may not always be as accurate or comprehensive as the information obtained directly from the client. Family members may not be aware of recent changes or may have different perspectives on the client's health.