How can a nurse best support an injured adolescent who refuses to move due to pain?

Supporting an injured adolescent who is experiencing pain and refusing to move involves recognizing their autonomy and fostering a sense of control over their care. Permitting decision-making regarding care empowers the adolescent, assisting them in feeling more confident and engaged in their recovery process. This approach acknowledges their feelings of pain and fear while helping them understand that they have an active role in their treatment.

By allowing the adolescent to participate in decisions about their care, the nurse helps build trust and rapport, which is essential in a healthcare setting. This can enable better communication, where the adolescent may express their concerns more freely and be more open to discussing the potential for movement or rehabilitation.

While other options like calling for physical therapy, encouraging medication compliance, or forcing movements might be important aspects of care, they do not prioritize the adolescent's need for agency and can lead to increased anxiety or a feeling of helplessness. Engaging the adolescent in decision-making directly addresses their emotional and psychological needs during a challenging time.