A nurse is trying to determine who would be the most appropriate perso

A nurse is trying to determine who would be the most appropriate person to make a health care decision for an adolescent, the adolescent or the parent. Which of the following considerations will the nurse need to make?

a. The need for cultural competence
b. The need for access to care
c. The need for client autonomy
d. The need for client privacy and confidentiality

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: C
This situation addressed the need for client autonomy. When considering client autonomy, the nurse must consider the following questions. In the specific case, who should make health care decisions for a young client, especially when opposing opinions arise? The client? The parents or guardian? The nurse or other health care professional? At what age does a child become mature enough to participate in such decision making? What laws does any given state have that affect adolescent client autonomy? What should the community health nurse do if he or she believes the client’s or parent’s decisions are not in the best interest of the client?