NCLEX Practice Test

What should a nurse assess first when a parent refuses IV antibiotics for their child with osteomyelitis?

1. Knowledge deficit regarding the child’s condition

2. Parent’s preferences for alternative healing practices

3. Potential toxicity of antibiotics

4. Risk of the child’s condition worsening

The correct answer is: Knowledge deficit regarding the child’s condition

The correct answer focuses on assessing the parent’s knowledge deficit regarding the child's condition. When a parent refuses a medical treatment such as intravenous antibiotics for their child with osteomyelitis, it's crucial to understand their understanding of both the condition and the necessity of the treatment. The success of managing osteomyelitis heavily relies on effective antibiotic therapy to combat the infection, and lack of information could lead to misunderstanding the severity and implications of the condition. By addressing knowledge deficits, the nurse can provide education on osteomyelitis, its potential complications, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment plan. This in turn may help alleviate concerns the parent may have and encourage informed decision-making regarding their child's health care. Assessing the parent's preferences for alternative healing practices, potential toxicity of antibiotics, or the risk of the child's condition worsening can also be relevant, but they typically follow the understanding of the condition. Gaining insight into the parent's knowledge about osteomyelitis should be the priority as it lays the foundation for effective communication and education that may ultimately influence their decision to proceed with the necessary treatment.