The nurse is working with a 16-year-old pregnant female who tells the nurse that she needs an abortion. The nurse, acting as a counselor, provides the patient with information on alternatives to abortion, but after several sessions, the patient still insists on having the abortion. What should the nurse, in the counselor role, do next?
A) Encourage the patient to speak with a "Right-to-Life" advocate.
B) Refuse to provide a referral to an abortion service.
C) Provide referral to an abortion service.
D) Delay referral to an abortion service.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a counselor, the nurse is responsible for providing information, listening objectively, and being supportive, caring, and trustworthy and providing a referral to an abortion service. The nurse does not make decisions, like going to a "Right-to-Life" advocate, but rather helps the patient reach decisions that are best for him or her. To refuse to provide a referral or to delay referral would not be supportive of the patient's decision.

The Nurse Is Working with a 16-Year-Old Pregnant Female Who