A home health nurse is assessing a client who requires lifelong replacement hormone therapy for hypothyroidism. The client has not been taking his medication regularly. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: Referring to the ethics committee is premature without discussing the patient’s wishes with the family. Asking about the patient’s preferences respects autonomy, making this incorrect, as it bypasses the family’s role in decision-making for the unresponsive patient.

Choice B reason: Asking what the family wants is vague and may pressure them without context. Inquiring about the patient’s wishes guides ethical decisions, making this incorrect, as it’s less focused than the nurse’s approach to honor the patient’s likely preferences.

Choice C reason: Stating the doctor’s recommendation may bias the family and doesn’t explore the patient’s wishes. Asking what the patient would want is more patient-centered, making this incorrect, as it’s less collaborative in discussing ongoing care options.

Choice D reason: Asking what the patient would want respects autonomy and guides family decision-making in the absence of an advance directive. This aligns with ethical principles, making it the correct approach for the nurse to discuss ongoing care with the family.

Choice A reason: Tea, especially caffeinated, relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, worsening GERD symptoms. Avoiding it shows understanding, making this a correct food the nurse would expect the client to avoid based on dietary education to prevent GERD exacerbation.

Choice B reason: Beer, an alcoholic beverage, irritates the esophagus and relaxes the sphincter, triggering GERD symptoms. Avoiding it reflects correct understanding, making this a correct food the nurse would include in teaching for the client to prevent GERD flare-ups.

Choice C reason: Cheese, while high-fat, is less likely to trigger GERD than alcohol or chocolate. Oatmeal is GERD-friendly, making this incorrect, as it’s not a primary trigger compared to the nurse’s teaching on foods to avoid for GERD symptom management.

Choice D reason: Oatmeal is a bland, high-fiber food that soothes GERD symptoms, not exacerbating them. Avoiding chocolate is correct, making this incorrect, as it’s a beneficial food, unlike the triggers the nurse teaches the client to avoid in GERD management.

Choice E reason: Chocolate contains caffeine and fat, relaxing the esophageal sphincter and worsening GERD. Avoiding it shows understanding, making this a correct food the nurse would expect the client to avoid to prevent symptom exacerbation based on GERD dietary teaching.

Choice F reason: Sweet potatoes are low-fat and non-irritating, not triggering GERD symptoms. Avoiding alcohol is correct, making this incorrect, as it’s a safe food, unlike the nurse’s teaching on foods the client should avoid to manage GERD effectively.

Choice G reason: Alcohol, including beer, relaxes the esophageal sphincter and irritates the mucosa, exacerbating GERD. Avoiding it reflects understanding, making this a correct food the nurse would include in teaching for the client to prevent GERD symptom flare-ups.

Choice H reason: French fries, high in fat, delay gastric emptying and worsen GERD symptoms. Avoiding them shows understanding, making this a correct food the nurse would expect the client to avoid based on dietary education to manage GERD effectively.