A nurse is assessing a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

While providing end-of-life education is important, it is not a specific requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. The act primarily focuses on ensuring that patients' wishes regarding medical treatment and interventions are respected through advance directives.

Choice B rationale:

Documenting in the client's medical record if the client has advance directives is a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. This documentation ensures that healthcare providers are aware of the patient's preferences regarding medical treatment, especially in end-of-life situations. Advance directives may include living wills or durable power of attorney for healthcare, allowing patients to express their choices regarding medical interventions and appointing someone to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Choice C rationale:

Providing the client with a list of eligible individuals who can serve as a health care proxy is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While it can be helpful, the act primarily emphasizes documenting and respecting the patient's existing advance directives.

Choice D rationale:

Ensuring the client has an attorney for assistance with end-of-life documents is not a requirement under the Patient Self-Determination Act. While legal advice can be beneficial, the act primarily focuses on healthcare providers' responsibilities in documenting and respecting patients' advance directives.

Choice A rationale:

The statement, "I will take the medication in the morning," indicates lack of understanding. Metformin is usually taken with large meals, and taking it in the morning is not the best timing.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "I will expect to gain weight," is incorrect. Weight gain is not an expected side effect of metformin. In fact, metformin is often associated with weight loss or weight maintenance, especially in individuals with diabetes, as it helps improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "I will take the medication on an empty stomach," is incorrect for extended-release metformin tablets. Unlike immediate-release metformin, extended-release tablets should be taken with meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "I will avoid crushing this medication," is correct. Metformin extended-release tablets should never be crushed or broken, as it can affect the way the medication is released into the body. Crushing or breaking the tablet can lead to a sudden release of a large amount of metformin, potentially causing an overdose.