Which duties must a registered nurse provide when supporting a child with primary medical needs?

Which duties must a registered nurse provide when supporting a child with primary medical needs?

• A. Perform a nursing assessment of the child, documenting diagnosed medical needs and placement; lead or participate in the service planning process for the child's care; and review medical records for physician orders compliance.
• B. Lead or participate in service planning only; no nursing assessment required
• C. Review medical records only and do not participate in planning
• D. Provide psychotherapy to the child

Answer: (A)

When supporting a child with primary medical needs, the registered nurse should take a hands-on clinical role that covers evaluating the child’s health, documenting medical needs and placement, taking part in planning care, and ensuring physician orders are followed. A nursing assessment identifies current health status, diagnoses, treatments, and any changes in condition, providing the information the team needs to plan appropriately. Documenting diagnosed medical needs and placement creates a clear, up-to-date record that guides care and ensures the placement supports safety and appropriate treatment. Leading or participating in service planning brings the nurse’s clinical perspective to the multidisciplinary team, helping to shape and implement a plan that aligns with medical requirements. Reviewing medical records for physician orders compliance ensures that orders are current, appropriate, and correctly executed, helping prevent errors and gaps in care. Other options fall short because they omit essential nursing duties or assign roles outside typical nursing scope. Merely planning without a clinical assessment, or only reviewing records without active planning, misses critical information needed to care for the child. Providing psychotherapy is not a standard nursing responsibility in this medical-support context.

When supporting a child with primary medical needs, the registered nurse should take a hands-on clinical role that covers evaluating the child’s health, documenting medical needs and placement, taking part in planning care, and ensuring physician orders are followed.

A nursing assessment identifies current health status, diagnoses, treatments, and any changes in condition, providing the information the team needs to plan appropriately. Documenting diagnosed medical needs and placement creates a clear, up-to-date record that guides care and ensures the placement supports safety and appropriate treatment. Leading or participating in service planning brings the nurse’s clinical perspective to the multidisciplinary team, helping to shape and implement a plan that aligns with medical requirements. Reviewing medical records for physician orders compliance ensures that orders are current, appropriate, and correctly executed, helping prevent errors and gaps in care.

Other options fall short because they omit essential nursing duties or assign roles outside typical nursing scope. Merely planning without a clinical assessment, or only reviewing records without active planning, misses critical information needed to care for the child. Providing psychotherapy is not a standard nursing responsibility in this medical-support context.