A nurse in the outpatient pediatric clinic is reviewing the records of a preschool-age child and notes that because the parents often miss routine healthcare visits the child has not received the second measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine

Question

Which action by the nurse is most appropriate in this situation?
1. Speak firmly with the parents about the importance of being compliant.
2. Notify the physician that the child's immunizations are no longer up to date.
3. Call the parents and encourage them to bring the child for recommended care.
4. Plan to discuss the principles of health supervision at the next scheduled visit.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The nurse in the pediatric healthcare setting is responsible for reviewing the health supervision of the child. Partnering with the parents and encouraging the parents to follow health-supervision guidelines are the best strategies to use. Speaking firmly with the parents about compliance will alienate the parents at this time. A discussion of the principles of health supervision without an intervention at this visit would mean a delay in needed health care for the child in this example. Discussing with the physician that the immunizations are not up to date is not necessary in an outpatient clinic. Immunizations are given per schedule.