A home health nurse is visiting a client who has advanced Alzheimer's disease. The client's partner states, "I miss being able to go places with my friends." Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Choice A Reason:

Obtaining urine from the drainage bag if a urinary specimen is required is incorrect.

While obtaining urine from the drainage bag might seem practical for specimen collection, it's not the recommended method due to potential contamination of the specimen. A sterile sampling port or aspirating urine from the catheter tubing is a more appropriate technique.

Choice B Reason:

Using a catheter securing device to hold the catheter in place is correct. Securing the catheter with a proper securing device helps prevent unnecessary movement or tension on the catheter, reducing the risk of trauma to the urinary tract and ensuring stability for the catheter.

Choice C Reason:

Positioning the drainage bag higher than the client's bladder is incorrect. Positioning the drainage bag higher than the bladder can lead to backflow or reflux of urine, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. The drainage bag should be placed below the level of the bladder to facilitate proper drainage.

Choice D Reason:

Changing the catheter bag every 3 days and as needed is incorrect. Routine changing of catheter bags every three days without clinical indication for changing can increase the risk of introducing infection. Catheter bags are changed based on clinical indications or when they are soiled or damaged, not on a fixed time schedule.

Choice A Reason:

"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.

This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.

Choice B Reason:

"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.

Choice C Reason:

"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.

Choice D Reason:

"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.