A nurse is caring for a client who has end-stage kidney disease and refuses further hemodialysis treatments. The client has advance directives that indicate no life-sustaining treatments. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Applying testosterone gel to the genital region is contraindicated, as it increases irritation and absorption variability. It should be applied to clean, dry skin on the shoulders, upper arms, or abdomen to ensure safety and efficacy, making this action incorrect and unsafe.
Choice B reason: Checking testosterone levels in 1 week is premature, as steady-state levels typically require 2-4 weeks to stabilize. Monitoring too early may yield inaccurate results, leading to improper dose adjustments. This timing is not standard, making it an incorrect instruction.
Choice C reason: Advising the client to wait 1 hour before showering or swimming ensures adequate absorption of testosterone gel through the skin. Premature water exposure can wash off the gel, reducing efficacy. This aligns with manufacturer guidelines, making it the correct action.
Choice D reason: Applying testosterone gel every other day is incorrect, as daily application maintains consistent hormone levels for hypogonadism treatment. Alternate-day dosing disrupts therapeutic levels, reducing effectiveness. Daily use is standard, making this instruction inappropriate for proper administration.

Choice A reason: Asking an experienced nurse to assist ensures the procedure is performed safely while allowing the newly licensed nurse to gain competence. Tracheal suctioning requires sterile technique and skill to avoid complications like hypoxia or trauma. This approach supports patient safety and professional development, aligning with nursing standards.
Choice B reason: Refusing the assignment is inappropriate, as tracheal suctioning is within an RN’s scope of practice. Refusal avoids responsibility without addressing the client’s needs or the nurse’s professional growth. Seeking assistance ensures safe care while building skills, making this choice less effective and unprofessional.
Choice C reason: Performing tracheal suctioning without prior experience risks patient harm, as it requires precise technique to prevent complications like mucosal damage or infection. Without guidance, errors are more likely. Seeking supervision ensures safety and competence, making this choice unsafe and inappropriate for a novice nurse.
Choice D reason: Delegating tracheal suctioning to assistive personnel is inappropriate, as it is a sterile procedure requiring RN-level skills and judgment. Assistive personnel are not trained for invasive procedures like suctioning, which risks complications. This choice violates delegation principles and compromises patient safety, making it incorrect.