An adolescent comes into the emergency department with a foot wound. Upon assessment, the nurse learns that the patient is a runaway and has been living on the streets. Which is the most appropriate care for the nurse to provide to the patient at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is not aware of the adolescent runaway's family situation so suggesting returning home with parents may or may not be appropriate. Because the adolescent runaway has no money for any kind of food, giving instructions to eat foods high in protein and vitamin C makes no sense. If the adolescent runaway does not have a source of running water, telling them to flush the wound with water every 4 hours will be impossible. The best care at this time would be for the nurse to treat the adolescent runaway's wound and provide with wound care supplies.

An Adolescent Comes into the Emergency Department with a Foot