Question

An anxious young adult is brought to the interviewing room of a crisis shelter, sobbing and saying that she thinks she is pregnant but does not know what to do. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate at this time?

A. Ask the client about the type of things that she had thought of doing
b. Give the client some ideas about what to expect to happen next
c. Recommend a pregnancy test after acknowleding the client's distress
d. Question the client about her feelings and possible parental reacions

Answer 1

The best approach is to recommend a pregnancy test after acknowledging the client's distress. This allows for a factual basis on which further support and planning can be provided, while also validating the client's feelings and current state.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing intervention in this scenario would be to recommend a pregnancy test after acknowledging the client's distress. This intervention is both practical and sensitive to the client's emotional state. By confirming whether or not the client is pregnant, she can then be better guided towards the necessary support and resources. It is critical to manage the situation with empathy and understanding, ensuring that the anxious young adult feels heard and supported in what may be a challenging period in her life. While exploring feelings and discussing potential plans and parental reactions are important, the immediate concern revolves around establishing whether the client is pregnant.