A 17-year-old with anorexia who is pregnant: what action should the nurse take?

A 17-year-old with anorexia who is pregnant: what action should the nurse take?

• A. Call the family physician and notify him of the pregnancy.
• B. Call Meaghan's parents and notify them of the pregnancy.
• C. Obtain Meaghan's consent to contact the physician.
• D. Contact Children's Aid Society after the baby is born and explain the situation.

Answer: (C)

Respecting an competent adolescent’s autonomy and privacy is essential. A 17-year-old who is pregnant can consent to her own medical care, and sharing information with her healthcare team should be done only with her permission. The nurse’s best action is to obtain Meaghan’s consent to contact the physician so prenatal care can be arranged and coordinated. This approach supports her involvement in decisions about her health and the pregnancy, and it helps address the risks associated with anorexia during pregnancy. Calling the physician or notifying her parents without consent would breach confidentiality and her right to privacy. Involvement of the Children’s Aid Society is not indicated unless there are safety concerns or evidence of abuse or neglect.

Respecting an competent adolescent’s autonomy and privacy is essential. A 17-year-old who is pregnant can consent to her own medical care, and sharing information with her healthcare team should be done only with her permission. The nurse’s best action is to obtain Meaghan’s consent to contact the physician so prenatal care can be arranged and coordinated. This approach supports her involvement in decisions about her health and the pregnancy, and it helps address the risks associated with anorexia during pregnancy.

Calling the physician or notifying her parents without consent would breach confidentiality and her right to privacy. Involvement of the Children’s Aid Society is not indicated unless there are safety concerns or evidence of abuse or neglect.