A nurse on a pediatric unit is reviewing the laboratory results for a group of clients. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority?

A. "What are your reasons for making this decision today?"

This response demonstrates active listening and allows the parent to express their reasons for wanting to discontinue treatment. It opens up a dialogue between the nurse and the parent, which is important for understanding their perspective.

B. "You should discuss your concerns with your child's provider."

While it's important for the parent to communicate with the child's healthcare provider, this response may come across as dismissive of the parent's concerns and decision-making process.

C. "You should give the treatment a chance to work before giving up."

This response may seem judgmental and dismissive of the parent's feelings and autonomy. It does not address the parent's concerns and may further strain the nurse-parent relationship.

D. "Do you need assistance gathering your child's belongings to return home?"

This response is practical but does not address the underlying reasons for the parent's desire to discontinue treatment. It's important for the nurse to engage in therapeutic communication and explore the parent's concerns further.

A. A child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy and reports moderate throat pain.

While postoperative pain management is important, moderate throat pain in a child who has undergone a tonsillectomy is expected. This client's condition is stable, and their pain can be managed with appropriate interventions. It is not the most urgent situation among the options provided.

B. A child who had a cardiac catheterization using the femoral artery and has blanching of the toes.

Blanching of the toes following a cardiac catheterization using the femoral artery can indicate compromised circulation, potentially leading to ischemia or necrosis. This requires immediate assessment to prevent further complications.

C. A child who has bacterial pneumonia and is due for their initial dose of IV antibiotics.

While timely administration of antibiotics is important in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, missing the initial dose by a short period of time is not likely to result in significant harm compared to a potential circulatory compromise in option B.

D. A child who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis and needs assistance with the application of prescribed splints.

While providing assistance with splint application is necessary for comfort and mobility, it is not as urgent as assessing potential circulatory compromise or initiating antibiotic therapy for pneumonia.