A health care provider asks the nurse about an older adult client's durable power of attorney (POA) because consent is needed for a medically necessary invasive procedure. The client has end-stage disease, is intubated, and is on mechanical ventilation. Which steps should the nurse implement?

A. Assist with obtaining informed consent from the client.
Explanation: Informed consent is a critical aspect of healthcare procedures, but it requires the patient to have the capacity to understand and make decisions. In this scenario, the client is intubated and on mechanical ventilation, which might compromise their ability to communicate effectively. If the client lacks capacity, obtaining consent from the durable power of attorney (POA) is more appropriate.

B. Refer to the client's advance directive for a name.
Explanation: Advance directives, including the durable POA, provide guidance on a person's wishes for healthcare decisions when they are unable to communicate. However, the advance directive may not always specify a particular person's name for decisions related to specific medical interventions. The key consideration in this situation is to determine the current decision-making capacity and involve the appropriate decision-maker if needed.

C. Determine the client's inability to make reasonable decisions.
Explanation: This is the correct answer. In this scenario, the nurse should assess the client's capacity to make decisions. If the client lacks capacity, the durable POA can be activated to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the client. Capacity involves the ability to understand relevant information, appreciate the consequences of decisions, and communicate a choice.

D. Use the oral trail-making test to measure cognitive function.
Explanation: The oral trail-making test is a cognitive screening tool, but it may not be suitable in this critical care scenario with an intubated and mechanically ventilated patient. Moreover, the primary concern in this situation is determining the capacity to make healthcare decisions, which requires a more comprehensive evaluation than a specific cognitive function test. The focus should be on decision-making capacity rather than a cognitive assessment.

A. Constipation.

Explanation: Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications like morphine. Older adults, particularly those on bed rest or with reduced mobility, are already at an increased risk of constipation. Morphine further contributes to this risk by slowing down bowel motility. Preventive measures such as promoting adequate hydration, encouraging fiber intake, and considering stool softeners can help prevent constipation in this scenario.

B. Poor solid food intake.

Explanation: While monitoring and addressing poor solid food intake are important for overall nutritional status, it may not be the immediate priority related to morphine use and postoperative care.

C. Poor liquid intake.

Explanation: Ensuring adequate fluid intake is important for overall hydration, but constipation is a more specific and immediate concern associated with opioid use.

D. Diarrhea.

Explanation: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of morphine and is less likely to be the priority for preventive care in this situation. Constipation is a more anticipated concern when opioids are prescribed.