A nurse is completing a preoperative checklist for a client. The client tells the nurse. "I am not sure if I want the procedure after all." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

B) Log the previous user out of the system:

The immediate action the nurse should take is to protect the client's confidentiality by logging out the previous user from the computer system. This ensures that unauthorized individuals do not have access to the client's health information. By taking this step promptly, the nurse mitigates the risk of unauthorized viewing of sensitive information.

A) Complete an incident report:

While completing an incident report is important for documenting the occurrence, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to address the immediate breach of confidentiality by securing the computer system to prevent further unauthorized access.

C) Report the incident to the charge nurse:

Reporting the incident to the charge nurse is essential, but it should follow the immediate action of logging out the previous user from the system. The charge nurse can then coordinate any necessary follow-up actions and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

D) Offer to conduct a unit in-service on client confidentiality:

While staff education on client confidentiality is valuable for preventing future breaches, it is not the first action needed in response to the immediate situation. Addressing the current breach takes precedence to protect the client's privacy. Staff education can be considered as a proactive measure after addressing the immediate concern.

Answer: C

Rationale:

C) "It sounds like you have concerns about the procedure."
This response is therapeutic and encourages the client to express their concerns, allowing the nurse to understand the client's feelings without judgment. It opens up a supportive dialogue where the client can discuss their fears, anxieties, or misconceptions about the colostomy, which can then be addressed appropriately.

A) "Why have you decided not to have the procedure?"
This response can come across as confrontational and might make the client feel defensive or pressured to justify their decision, which is not conducive to a therapeutic conversation.

B) "Don't worry. You will adjust to the colostomy quickly."
This statement dismisses the client's current feelings and concerns. Telling the client not to worry minimizes their emotional experience and may make them feel misunderstood or invalidated.

D) "Do you think that's the right decision for you and your family?"
This response introduces external pressure by involving the family and shifts the focus away from the client’s personal feelings and autonomy, which could increase their anxiety about making a decision.