A nurse is being questioned by the parents of a client whose physician

A nurse is being questioned by the parents of a client whose physician ordered a battery of invasive tests. They are wondering why their child should have to go through all the pain and discomfort of these studies.

The nurse is not familiar with the situation and has just come on duty for the evening shift. A limited report was given by the previous shift. The nurse understands that the child is stable at this time and has no pain, but the nurse has not been able to review the chart or do an initial assessment at this point. The best response by the nurse is:
1. “I’m not sure I can answer your question just now.”
2. “It’s a good idea to listen to what your physician wants.”
3. “Your child’s doctor is the best there is. I don’t see why you wouldn’t follow his advice.”
4. “Maybe you should get another opinion if you’re not comfortable with your doctor.”

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Suspending judgment means tolerating ambiguity for a time. If an issue is complex it may not be resolved quickly and judgment should be postponed. In this case, the nurse just doesn’t have enough information to give a good answer to the parents. For a while, the nurse will need to say, “I don’t know” and be comfortable with that answer. Telling the parents to agree with the physician before the nurse knows all the facts might be premature, even if he is the best physician in the area. It would also be premature to tell the parents to get another opinion. Nurses should not give advice or counsel, merely information.