A nurse is caring for a client on a psychiatric unit.

Exhibits

For each potential action, click to specify if the action is indicated or. contraindicated for the client.

Choice A rationale:

Making decisions about health care on clients' behalf without their involvement violates the principle of patient autonomy. Patients have the right to be actively involved in decisions about their own care and treatment plans. Encouraging shared decision-making and respecting patients' choices are essential aspects of nursing advocacy.

Choice B rationale:

Promoting health care access is a fundamental aspect of advocacy in client care. Nurses should advocate for their patients' access to necessary healthcare services, treatments, and resources. This includes ensuring that patients have access to appropriate medical facilities, specialists, medications, and therapies. Advocating for health care access helps patients receive timely and appropriate care, improving their overall health outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging clients to seek further information from the provider is crucial for informed decision-making. Providing patients with accurate and relevant information enables them to make educated choices about their health. Nurses can facilitate this process by clarifying medical information, explaining treatment options, and addressing patients' concerns. Informed patients are better equipped to actively participate in their care and advocate for their own needs.

Choice D rationale:

Addressing client needs when providing resources is an essential aspect of nursing advocacy. Nurses should assess their patients' individual needs and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide appropriate resources and support. This can include coordinating social services, arranging for home healthcare, or connecting patients with support groups. Meeting clients' needs ensures that they receive comprehensive care, promoting their overall well-being.

Choice E rationale:

Honoring family requests to withhold medical information can be ethically challenging. While family members play a significant role in a patient's life, confidentiality and patient autonomy must be respected. In most cases, healthcare providers should prioritize communicating directly with the patient, respecting their right to make decisions about their own health information. Exceptions may arise in situations involving legal guardianship or when patients are unable to communicate their preferences. However, the default approach should be to involve the patient directly in decisions about their healthcare information.

Choice A rationale:

After a total gastrectomy, the client lacks the intrinsic factor necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the terminal ileum. Therefore, vitamin B12 supplementation is essential to prevent pernicious anemia, a condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The absence of intrinsic factor hinders the absorption of vitamin B12 from dietary sources, making it necessary to provide this vitamin through injections or high-dose oral supplements. Vitamin B12 supplementation is a standard practice following a total gastrectomy.

Choice B rationale:

Ranitidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist used to reduce stomach acid production. It is not directly related to vitamin B12 deficiency and is not typically prescribed following a total gastrectomy. Vitamin B12 supplementation, on the other hand, addresses the specific deficiency caused by the absence of intrinsic factor.

Choice C rationale:

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. However, it is not the primary concern following a total gastrectomy. Vitamin B12 deficiency leading to pernicious anemia is the major focus of post-gastrectomy supplementation. While vitamin K may be important for overall health, it is not the immediate priority in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Metoclopramide is a medication used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, including gastroparesis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It does not directly address the vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from the absence of intrinsic factor. Vitamin B12 supplementation is specifically indicated to prevent pernicious anemia in this context.