Question

The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old girl, Heidi, who has been admitted to the hospital with dehydration. She is quiet and answers questions with a simple “yes” or “no.” On the day Heidi is to be discharged, she says, “I'll tell you something, but you can't tell anyone else.”

1. What factors must the nurse consider in this situation?

2. What would be the nurse's best response?

Answer 1

1) Heidi being an adolescent the nurse can consider trying to lose weight,sexual assault,drug abuse,separated family,peer and family relationships in this situation.The nurse with her empathetic and confidential approach Heidi may be motivated to open up and reveal what she is undergoing either at home or at school,which may also be bullying or depression.Dehydration may be a substancial diagnosis to the presenting situation.

2)The best response of the nurse would be (a) proper dietary counselling and planning for the adolescent to ensure adequate nutrition and prevent deficiencies such as iron deficiency anemia,(b)adequate hydration,(c)personal and family counselling in view of sexual relationships,(d)relationship abuses(e) depression (f) drug abuse and (g) peer pressure.