Question

Ann Maloney, a 17-year-old single mother, brings her 6-month-old daughter Kerrie, to the clinic. This is Kerrie’s first visit. Ms. Maloney made several earlier appointments for Kerrie but was unable to keep them. She states, “I am very busy trying to work and care for Kerrie. I had to miss work because Kerrie has lots of colds. I hate to take time off when she is well. My supervisor at work said that it is important for her to have her immunizations and a physical examination. I guess I messed up.”

1. What assumptions could the nurse make about Ms. Maloney?

2. How should the nurse respond to Ms. Maloney’s comment?

3. How can the nurse best act as an advocate for both Kerrie and her mother?

Answer 1

Answer 1: Nurse could make assumptions as the mother doesn't get much time to take care of her daughter. Being a single mother she is unable to handle the situation. The mother is not focused and concerned about the health and vaccination provided to the infants, it show she is little careless towards her child.

Answer 2: The nurse need to explain about the physical examination and immunization. The infants requires some of the immunization at a certain intervals. These may prevent the infants from developing diseases. The nurse should inform the client about the benefits of the vaccination.

Answer 3: The nurse should provide information of the vaccines as it prevents children from communicable diseases like whooping cough etc. It also reduces the health disparities among children. The vaccination enhance the immune system which could reduce the readmission rate of the client.