A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

A. "I will feel less hungry during meals while I am taking orlistat": Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the intestines rather than suppressing appetite. Therefore, it does not typically reduce hunger during meals.
B. "I will eat a no-fat diet to prevent side effects from the medication": Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, fecal incontinence, and flatulence, particularly when consumed with high-fat meals. While reducing fat intake can help minimize these side effects, it is not necessary to eliminate fat entirely from the diet. The statement is partially correct but not the best response indicating full understanding.
C. "I will stop taking orlistat and call my doctor if my urine gets darker in color": Dark urine can indicate liver problems, which are a potential side effect of orlistat. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to monitor for this symptom and contact their healthcare provider if it occurs. This response indicates that the client understands the potential adverse effects of the medication.
D. "I will take my dose of orlistat every morning an hour before breakfast": Orlistat is typically taken with meals or up to one hour after eating. Taking it on an empty stomach before breakfast is not recommended.

Answer: D

Rationale:

A. "Drink 400 ml every hour until bowel movements are clear": The standard recommendation for PEG is to drink a specific volume, usually 240 ml every 10 to 15 minutes, rather than 400 ml every hour. The goal is to ensure the bowel is adequately cleansed, and this rate is typically more effective in achieving that.

B. "Expect bowel movements to begin 3 hr following completion of solution": Bowel movements often start within an hour or two after starting the PEG solution rather than waiting for 3 hours after finishing it. The timing can vary, but the onset is generally sooner.

C. "To prevent dehydration, drink an additional liter of fluid during preparation time": While it is important to stay hydrated, the specific recommendation for additional fluid intake beyond the PEG solution can vary. Typically, the instructions focus on the volume of PEG solution to drink rather than specifying a set amount of additional fluid.

D. "Abdominal bloating might occur": Abdominal bloating is a common side effect of bowel cleansing preparations like PEG. It can occur due to the large volume of fluid ingested and the rapid movement of the bowel contents, making it a relevant point to include in the instructions.