A 15-year-old adolescent male with a mild mental disability is hospitalized for minor surgery and tells the practical nurse (PN), "WOW! You have big breasts." Which response is best for the PN to provide?

A. That language is not allowed: Setting clear and firm boundaries in a calm, professional tone teaches the adolescent appropriate behavior while maintaining respect and therapeutic rapport. It helps the client understand acceptable communication without shaming or escalating the situation. B. If you talk like that again, I will tell your parents: Threatening to report the behavior may provoke defiance or embarrassment rather than promote understanding. The goal is to correct the behavior through professional boundary setting, not intimidation. C. The size of my breasts is of no concern to you: This response draws further attention to the inappropriate comment and may inadvertently encourage continued remarks, rather than redirecting the client appropriately. D. Do you really think so?: Responding in this way reinforces the inappropriate comment and can be misinterpreted as encouragement, which undermines professional boundaries and the therapeutic nurse–client relationship.