Final answer:
The nurse should first determine the mother's basic skill level in providing care for her son in a chronic vegetative state. This will help ensure he receives proper care and avoid potential complications. Further steps can be taken if needed after the assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a young boy in a chronic vegetative state is readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia and pressure ulcers, and his mother insists that she is capable of caring for him, the nurse should determine the mother's basic skill level in providing care. This action will ascertain whether the mother has the competency to manage her son's complex medical needs at home. It is important to ensure that the boy receives proper care to avoid complications such as pressure ulcers and infections, which can result from inadequate care.
It is not immediately necessary to report the incident to child protective services or consult the ethics committee without first assessing the mother's ability to provide care. If the mother lacks essential skills, then finding a home health agency specializing in brain injuries or taking further actions would be an appropriate step.