A woman's history and appearance suggest drug abuse. The nurse's best approach would be to:
1. Ask the woman directly, "Do you use any street drugs?"
2. Ask the woman if she would like to talk to a counselor.
3. Ask some questions about over-the-counter medications and avoid the mention of illicit drugs.
4. Explain how harmful drugs can be for her baby.
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The best method of dealing with the patient that the nurse suspects of using drugs is to be direct and ask the question in a direct fashion without prejudice, bias, or negative body language. Lack of judgmental attitudes/body language typically results in honest answers.
Rationale 2: It is the responsibility of the nurse to question the patient.
Rationale 3: It is the responsibility of the nurse not to avoid the issue.
Rationale 4: When talking to patients in a therapeutic manner, it is important not to be threatening or judgmental; an example of the latter behavior would be stating that the drugs will harm the baby.
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