A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. One of the client's family members tells the nurse, "I need to help. What can I do?" Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.

This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.

Choice B Reason:

"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.

Choice C Reason:

"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.

Choice D Reason:

"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.

Correct Answer: C

C. Flex hips and knees when assisting the client to a standing position.Flexing the hips and knees protects the nurse’s back by using proper body mechanics and distributes the force of lifting safely. This position provides stability and reduces the risk of injury to both the nurse and the client during the transfer.

Incorrect answers:

A: "Stand on the client's stronger side when moving the client into the chair."The nurse should stand on the weaker side, not the stronger side, to provide support and assistance where it is most needed. This ensures the client is stabilized and prevents falls or instability due to the weaker side giving way.

B: "Pivot on the foot farthest from the bed when assisting the client into the chair."The nurse should pivot on the foot closest to the chair or the bed to maintain balance and stability. Pivoting on the farthest foot could lead to poor body mechanics and an increased risk of injury to the nurse or client.

D: "Raise the bed to waist level before moving the client." For transferring a client to a chair, the bed should be lowered to a position where the client’s feet can touch the floor. This provides stability and facilitates a safe transfer.