A nurse is providing care to a school-aged child who has uncontrolled asthma. The child's parent does not seem engaged in the child's treatment during the hospitalization and states that the child manages their care with little assistance from them. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Although the parent appears disengaged, there is no evidence of abuse or neglect that would justify child protective services involvement. Uninvolvement alone does not indicate harm or unsafe conditions. Interventions should focus on education and support before considering reporting. B. While reviewing the asthma action plan is useful for school-based care, this action does not ensure the parent is actively prepared to manage the child’s asthma at home, which is critical for chronic illness management. The parent’s understanding and engagement are essential for daily monitoring, medication adherence, and responding to exacerbations. C. The priority intervention is to actively involve and educate the parent, as effective asthma management relies on consistent support from caregivers. Education should include: recognizing early signs of worsening asthma, proper inhaler technique, identifying triggers, and using the asthma action plan. This approach promotes parental confidence, enhances adherence, and reduces the risk of future exacerbations. D. While providing written resources is helpful, it does not ensure parental understanding or engagement. The child may still manage medications incorrectly if the parent is not actively involved in monitoring, supervising, and reinforcing proper care at home.