A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose. The client has a living will that declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure, but the client's family has requested that the staff begin tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Insert the tube and begin feedings per the family's request.
Ask the provider to discuss the issue with the family.
Report the dilemma to the facility's dietitian.
Review the client's request with the family.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Review the client's request with the family.
Choice D rationale: Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.
Choice A rationale: Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.
Choice B rationale: While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.
Choice C rationale: Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The age of the client might impact the care plan, but it doesn't directly relate to the cost effectiveness of care. Older patients might have different health considerations, but the length of their stay and the services they require play a more significant role in cost evaluation.
Choice B rationale:
While the availability of community support groups can be beneficial for the client's overall well-being and recovery, it doesn't directly contribute to evaluating the cost effectiveness of care. Community support groups are more about psychosocial support than cost.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. The length of the client's stay directly affects the cost of care. Longer stays often involve more resources, medications, treatments, and staff time, leading to higher costs. Shorter and more efficient stays are generally more cost-effective.
Choice D rationale:
The type of insurance the client carries is relevant to the client's financial responsibility for their care, but it doesn't assist in evaluating the overall cost effectiveness of care. The insurance type might affect reimbursement rates, but it doesn't provide a comprehensive picture of cost efficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D.
Choice A rationale:
“A client who is in balanced skeletal traction.” This client requires specialized orthopedic knowledge to manage the traction and monitor for complications. A nurse without orthopedic experience may not be familiar with the care required.
Choice B rationale:
“A client who had a total hip arthroplasty 3 days ago.” This client is likely to require specialized post-operative care, including pain management, mobility assistance, and monitoring for complications such as infection or dislocation. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice C rationale:
“A client who has a fractured femur with a new cast.” This client will require specialized care to manage the cast, monitor for complications such as compartment syndrome, and provide pain management. These tasks typically require specific orthopedic training.
Choice D rationale:
“A client who had a right above-the-knee amputation 24 hours ago.” This is the correct answer. While this client will require post-operative care, the care is likely to be similar to the post-operative care provided on a medical unit, such as pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications. Therefore, a nurse from a medical unit could likely provide appropriate care for this client.
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