A nurse is planning care for a toddler who has developed oral ulcers in response to chemotherapy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A rationale:

Providing frequent range of motion to the neck and shoulders is not appropriate for an infant with bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and can cause severe neck pain and stiffness. Range of motion exercises could exacerbate the discomfort and should be avoided.

Choice B rationale:

Keeping the television on in the room to provide background noise is not appropriate for an infant with bacterial meningitis. Infants with meningitis need a quiet and calm environment to reduce stimuli and promote healing.

Choice C rationale:

Padding the side rails of the crib is important to prevent injury during seizures, which can occur in bacterial meningitis. Seizures can cause uncontrolled movements, and padding the crib rails can prevent the infant from getting hurt during these episodes.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the infant in a semiprivate room is not appropriate for bacterial meningitis. Infants with meningitis need isolation to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients. They should be placed in a private room with strict infection control measures in place.

Choice A rationale:

Contacting the client's parents for phone consent might breach the adolescent's confidentiality, especially if they are seeking STI testing. In many jurisdictions, adolescents have the right to confidential healthcare, including STI testing and treatment, without parental consent. Respecting the adolescent's autonomy and confidentiality is crucial in this situation.

Choice B rationale:

Obtaining written consent from the client, if they are of legal age (which is often 16 or older in many jurisdictions), is appropriate and respects the adolescent's autonomy and legal rights. Written consent ensures that the adolescent fully understands the tests being conducted and gives informed consent for the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Requesting verbal consent from the social worker is not appropriate. Verbal consent can be ambiguous and may not provide sufficient legal documentation of informed consent, especially for sensitive procedures like STI testing.

Choice D rationale:

Postponing the testing until the client's parents are present might not be in the best interest of the adolescent, especially if they are seeking timely healthcare. Delays in testing and treatment could lead to complications or the spread of STIs. Respecting the adolescent's autonomy and providing appropriate, timely care is essential in this situation.