A nurse is admitting a client who is at risk for falls to a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "Enjoy the time you have and do the things you want to do":

While this response may seem supportive, it does not address the client's expressed desire for aggressive treatment. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the client's wishes and provide appropriate support and information to help them make decisions about their care.

B. "Hospice care is the best thing for you at this time":

While hospice care may be appropriate for some clients with terminal illnesses, it is not appropriate to assume that it is the best option for every client. The nurse should not impose their own beliefs or preferences onto the client and should instead support the client in exploring their options and making decisions based on their individual needs and preferences.

C. "You need to understand that you have very little time left":

This response may be seen as dismissive or insensitive to the client's wishes for aggressive treatment. It does not acknowledge the client's autonomy or right to make decisions about their own care. The nurse should approach the situation with empathy and respect for the client's wishes, while also providing support and information to help them make informed decisions.

D. "I will contact your provider to discuss your options."

The client has expressed a desire for aggressive treatment, and it is important for the nurse to respect the client's autonomy and preferences. By stating that they will contact the provider to discuss the client's options, the nurse ensures that the client's wishes are communicated effectively and that they receive appropriate information and support to make informed decisions about their care.

A. Prepare the client for surgery: In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.

B. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance: Contacting the ethics committee can be helpful for guidance on how to handle consent issues in complex situations, but it might not provide a timely solution for immediate emergency situations.

C. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent: While stabilizing the client's condition is important, waiting for a family member to arrive to give consent may not be feasible in emergency situations where immediate treatment is necessary. The nurse should seek guidance from appropriate channels to determine the best course of action.

D. Obtain consent from the surgeon: Surgeons do not have the authority to provide consent for treatment on behalf of a client who is unconscious. Consent must come from a legally authorized decision-maker, such as the client themselves if they have previously provided informed consent, or a designated healthcare proxy.