A 16-year-old boy has just been admitted for overnight observation after being in an automobile accident. What is the nurse's best approach to communicating with him?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Be totally honest with him, even if the information is unpleasant. This is the best approach because honesty builds trust and credibility, crucial in a healthcare setting. It allows the teenager to make informed decisions about his care and fosters a therapeutic relationship. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Using periods of silence may be misinterpreted as indifference or lack of engagement. C: Promising total confidentiality may not be feasible in healthcare settings and could lead to potential harm if critical information needs to be shared with others for the patient's safety. D: Using slang language may come across as unprofessional and may hinder effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because it directly acknowledges the patient's distress and sets the stage for gathering essential information. By stating the need to ask questions about what happened, it shows empathy and readiness to provide help. Choice A is too formal and lacks empathy. Choice B shifts the focus away from the patient's distress. Choice C is similar to D but lacks the crucial element of acknowledging the patient's emotional state. Thus, D is the best choice for an opening statement in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palpation. Palpation involves using the hands to touch and feel the skin to assess its temperature accurately. This technique allows the nurse to detect variations in temperature more effectively compared to visual inspection (Choice C) or listening with a stethoscope (Choice B). Using a thermometer (Choice D) may also provide a precise measurement, but palpation allows for a more comprehensive assessment of skin temperature by considering factors such as localized warmth or coolness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in Vietnamese culture, touching or examining the fontanelles (soft spots on a baby's head) is considered disrespectful and potentially harmful. This is due to the belief that the fontanelles are fragile and touching them can impact the baby's health. It is crucial for the nurse to respect and be sensitive to the cultural beliefs and practices of the mother to establish trust and provide culturally competent care. Choice B is incorrect because there is no specific cultural taboo in Vietnamese culture about touching the infant's diaper area during examination. Choice C is incorrect as assuming that the husband should be the primary communicator of medical information goes against the principle of patient autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as there is no indication that Vietnamese mothers prefer written reports over verbal communication regarding their child's growth and development.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because all aspects of mental health in children are indeed interrelated. Mental health encompasses various components such as emotional, social, and psychological well-being, which are interconnected and influence each other. Understanding and assessing mental health in children require considering the holistic picture. Choice B is incorrect because children are not inherently labile and unstable until the age of 2 years. Choice C is incorrect as children's mental health is influenced by various factors beyond just their parents' mental health. Choice D is incorrect because mental health assessment in children can be done using age-appropriate methods even before they develop the ability to concentrate.