A nurse is developing a plan of care for a school-age child whose family is homeless. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

Choice A rationale:

The child having red fissures at the corners of the mouth is not the priority finding. While this could indicate a nutritional deficiency, such as vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency, the presence of bruises on the child's legs raises more immediate concerns related to potential physical abuse or safety issues.

Choice B rationale:

The child having several small bruises on both legs is the priority finding. Bruising on a school-age child could indicate physical abuse or an unsafe living environment. Ensuring the child's safety and well-being takes precedence over other findings. Assessing the nature, pattern, and explanation for the bruises is crucial.

Choice C rationale:

The child sleeping for about 13 hours each night is not the priority finding in this scenario. While sleep patterns are important, the potential for physical abuse and safety concerns associated with the bruises takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

The child not regularly attending school is a concern, but it is not the priority finding when compared to the possibility of physical abuse indicated by the bruises. Both issues need to be addressed, but ensuring the child's immediate safety is the primary focus.

The correct answer is choice B: "This is a procedure that does not require written informed consent."

Choice B rationale: Informed consent is typically required for invasive procedures, surgery, or treatments that carry significant risks. While inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is considered an invasive procedure, it is generally not a procedure that requires written informed consent. Nurses often have standing orders or standardized procedures in place for catheterization, and consent is usually implied or obtained verbally.

Choice A rationale: Although providers prescribe procedures, consent is still necessary in many cases. However, as mentioned above, written informed consent is not typically required for urinary catheter insertion due to its routine nature in medical care.

Choice C rationale: Discussing the issue with the charge nurse is unnecessary since written informed consent is not generally required for this procedure. The nurse should instead focus on educating the family about standard hospital practices.

Choice D rationale: Asking the family to sign the informed consent form at this point is not appropriate, as it implies that the procedure should not have been performed without written consent. Additionally, urinary catheterization does not typically require written informed consent, so asking them to sign a form could create confusion or unnecessary concern.