A 16-year-old male has been admitted to the nursing unit after breaking his leg in a car accident. He seems sullen and just wants to watch TV. He answers the nurse’s questions with one-word answers. He’s receiving oral pain medication and does not seem to be in pain. No adult is with him in the room.

• What type of questions would be appropriate in making a physical assessment of the patient?

• How would you learn about his activities prior to the accident?

• Why would this be important?

• What observations would be critical in the situation?

• What would you do to establish a therapeutic relationship with this patient?