A nurse is caring for a client with a stool culture positive for Clostridium difficile.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select All that Apply.)

Choice A rationale

According to Erikson, the Trust vs. Mistrust stage occurs from birth to approximately 18 months. During this period, infants rely on their caregivers for basic needs, including comfort and nourishment. When a caregiver consistently responds to an infant's cries, the infant develops a sense of security and trust in the world. This consistent care allows the infant to perceive the environment as safe and predictable, successfully resolving this first developmental crisis.

Choice B rationale

Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth stage of Erikson's theory, typically occurring during adolescence between the ages of 12 and 18 years. This stage focuses on the transition from childhood to adulthood, where individuals explore their personal values, beliefs, and goals to form a coherent self-identity. It is not applicable to an infant, as it requires complex social interactions and cognitive maturity that are not present in the first year of life.

Choice C rationale

Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the second stage of development, occurring between 18 months and 3 years of age. This stage centers on the child developing a sense of personal control over physical skills and a sense of independence. While it follows the trust stage, it is not the stage an infant experiences when they are first learning to rely on a caregiver for immediate comfort and the fulfillment of basic physiological needs.

Choice D rationale

Integrity vs. Despair is the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial theory, occurring during late adulthood, generally from age 65 until death. During this stage, individuals reflect on their lives and either feel a sense of fulfillment or a sense of regret and failure. This stage is entirely unrelated to infancy, as it involves a retrospective look at one's legacy and accomplishments rather than the foundational building of trust in a caregiver.

Choice A rationale

Describing the technical steps of a surgical procedure is primarily the responsibility of the surgeon who is performing the operation. This falls under the legal requirement of informed consent, where the practitioner must explain the risks, benefits, and procedural details to the client. While a nurse can reinforce information or clarify misconceptions, they do not hold the primary role of describing the intricacies of a surgery as part of the initial education process.

Choice B rationale

A fundamental role of the nurse in client education is to empower clients to advocate for themselves. This involves teaching the client how to navigate the healthcare system, ask pertinent questions, and participate in shared decision-making. By fostering self-advocacy, the nurse ensures the client is an active participant in their care, which improves adherence to treatment plans and enhances overall safety and satisfaction throughout the therapeutic process and during discharge.

Choice C rationale

Prescribing medications is a function of the provider's role, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, depending on state regulations and licensure. Nurses are responsible for the safe administration of medications and educating the client about the purpose, side effects, and timing of those medications. However, the legal authority to prescribe is not within the scope of practice for a newly licensed registered nurse or part of their educational role.

Choice D rationale

Diagnosing illnesses is the responsibility of the medical provider or advanced practice nurse. Registered nurses utilize nursing diagnoses to identify human responses to actual or potential health problems, but they do not provide medical diagnoses. The nurse's role in education focuses on teaching the client how to manage a diagnosed condition or prevent further illness, rather than determining the underlying medical pathology or identifying the specific disease process itself.