A nurse is collecting data from an 18-month-old toddler at a well-child visit.

Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The nurse should include maintaining elbow restraints on the infant in the plan of care following cleft palate repair. This helps to prevent the infant from touching their surgical site and disrupting the healing process.

a) Allowing the infant to have soft foods may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's diet should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.

c) Instructing the parents to feed the infant with a spoon may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's feeding method should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.

d) Telling the parents to avoid brushing the infant's teeth for two weeks may be appropriate, but it is not the highest priority. The infant's oral care should be determined by the provider and based on the infant's individual needs.

A. You have the right to refuse the recommended treatment plan.

As a nurse, it’s essential to respect the autonomy and decision-making capacity of your patients. Patients have the right to make informed choices about their own healthcare, including whether to accept or decline treatment recommendations. By acknowledging the patient’s right to refuse treatment, you empower them to be active participants in their care.

B.Option b is not the correct answer because it focuses on informing the provider without addressing the client's concerns or providing guidance.

C.Option c is not the correct answer because it emphasizes the medical consequences of not treating the cancer without acknowledging the client's personal beliefs or values.

D. In cases like yours, it is best to talk with your clergyperson before deciding this.

While option D acknowledges the importance of seeking emotional and spiritual support during difficult decisions, it does not directly address the patient’s right to refuse treatment. As a nurse, your primary responsibility is to respect the patient’s autonomy and provide accurate information about their treatment options. Encouraging open communication with a clergyperson or any other trusted individual can be beneficial, but it should not override the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.