A young couple is in the clinic for a prenatal exam. The woman ...

[saraeharris]

A young couple is in the clinic for a prenatal exam. The woman expresses concern that her husband continues to binge drink and use drugs on weekends. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  Assess the father for reasons why he continues to abuse alcohol and illicit drugs at his age.
  B.
  Explain that if there are drugs in a house with a baby, the baby can be taken away.
  C.
  Help the husband see how his drug and alcohol use is inconsistent with the father role.
  D.
  Warn the husband that he will be putting the baby at risk unless he stops this activity.

Question 2

The parents of a 16-year-old boy are frustrated because the teen is always participating in risky activities and getting hurt, and has a group of friends of whom the parents do not approve.
 
  What action by the nurse would be most helpful?
  A.
  Encourage an after-school program that includes rock climbing, rafting, and hiking.
  B.
  Reassure the parents that risk taking is just a normal part of adolescence.
  C.
  Show the teen statistics on preventable injuries and deaths among teenagers.
  D.
  Tell the teen his risky behavior can lead to injuries and worries his parents.

[scottmt]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The most reliable theory on drug use focuses on role development. As young adults take on the roles of spouse and parent, illicit drug use can interfere with performing those roles. Also, when assuming adult roles is seen as incompatible with illicit drug use, substance use declines. The nurse's best action is to help the husband see how binge drinking and drug use are not compatible with the father and role model roles. The nurse could assess the father for reasons he continues to abuse substances, but this will not help him diminish his use. Stating that the baby can be taken away may be seen as a threat and will probably cut off communication. Likewise, telling the father he will be putting his baby at risk may sound judgmental and threatening as well.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Risk taking is a part of adolescence, but the teen needs healthy risk-taking activities. The nurse can encourage the teen to take part in a program that offers risk-taking under adult supervision. Rock climbing, hiking, and rafting are all healthy alternatives. Simply reassuring the parents that teens take risks does not give them information that helps the teen. Showing the teen statistics and explaining that he is worrying his parents are both unlikely to have much effect.

[saraeharris]

TYSM

[mcabuhat]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it