A hospice nurse is visiting with the son of a client who has terminal cancer.
The son reports sleeping very little during the past week due to caring for his mother.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Including any adverse effects of the medications the client might develop is important but does not cover the entire scope of medication reconciliation. It is essential to compare new prescriptions with the list of current medications to prevent drug interactions, duplications, or omissions.

Choice B rationale:

Comparing new prescriptions with the list of medications the client reports is the correct approach to medication reconciliation. This helps identify discrepancies, ensuring that the client's current medications are accurately documented and preventing medication errors.

Choice C rationale:

Excluding nutritional supplements from the list of medications the client reports is incorrect. Nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter medications are essential components of the medication list. These items can interact with prescribed medications and affect the client's overall health.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging the client to make his own list after he returns home is not recommended. Patients might not have complete knowledge of the medications they are taking, including dosages and frequencies. Relying solely on the patient-generated list can lead to inaccuracies and potential harm.

Choice A rationale:

Distributive justice refers to the fair distribution of resources, benefits, and burdens in society. Ensuring that a homeless client receives preventive medical care exemplifies distributive justice as it promotes equal access to healthcare resources for all individuals, regardless of their housing situation.

Choice B rationale:

Being honest with the parents of a child about the need to report suspected abuse is an example of veracity, which is the duty to tell the truth. While honesty is important, it does not directly relate to distributive justice.

Choice C rationale:

Accepting the decision of an older adult client to live alone in her home respects the client's autonomy and independence but does not specifically demonstrate distributive justice.

Choice D rationale:

Keeping a promise to visit with a housebound client is an example of fidelity, the duty to fulfill promises. While it is ethically important, it does not exemplify distributive justice, which pertains to fair resource allocation.