A nurse is caring for a client who is unconscious, and whose partner is their health care surrogate. The partner wishes to discontinue the client's feeding tube, but another family member tells the nurse that they want the client to continue receiving treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"You should contact the provider about your wishes for your family member."
"You should speak with the facility's ethics committee about your concerns."
"As the health care surrogate, the client's partner can make this decision."
"We'll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client's advance directives."
The Correct Answer is C
A. Contacting the provider may be part of the process, but it does not directly address the conflict between the family members' wishes and the health care surrogate's legal authority.
B. While the ethics committee can be a valuable resource in resolving disputes, it is not the first step in this situation, as the health care surrogate has the legal right to make decisions on behalf of the unconscious client.
C. The health care surrogate is legally designated to make health care decisions for the client when they are unable to do so themselves. This includes decisions about life-sustaining treatments such as a feeding tube.
D. Reviewing the client's advance directives is important, but it does not supersede the authority of the health care surrogate unless the directives explicitly limit the surrogate's decision-making power.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Child protective services deal with cases of child abuse or neglect, which isn't relevant to the parent's inability to afford medical equipment.
B. While a respiratory therapist might assist with the use of the nebulizer, they may not address the financial concerns of the parent.
C. Social workers can help connect families with resources, financial assistance programs, or charitable organizations that may assist with obtaining necessary medical equipment.
D. While a pharmacist plays a role in medication management, they may not directly address the financial concerns related to acquiring the nebulizer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for A: An open fracture of the femur is serious and requires prompt treatment, but it does not typically indicate an immediate life threat compared to other conditions.
Rationale for B: Periorbital ecchymosis can indicate facial trauma, but it is not necessarily life-threatening and would not be prioritized as emergent.
Rationale for C: A deep partial thickness burn on the lower extremities is significant and requires treatment, but unless the burn covers a large area or is complicated by other factors, it is not the most critical issue compared to respiratory or cardiovascular threats.
Rationale for D: An asymmetrical thorax may suggest a possible pneumothorax or other significant respiratory issue, which could lead to respiratory distress or failure. This client should be tagged as emergent due to the potential for rapid deterioration.
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