A nurse is completing an assessment of a recently widowed older adult client. They state that they are unable to drive and are afraid to cook on the stove. Which of the following community resources should the nurse recommend?

A. "If I request a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription, CPR will be withheld from my care.": Understanding that a DNR order means no resuscitation efforts, such as CPR, will be performed in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest is crucial. This reflects the client’s autonomy in making end-of-life decisions and ensures their preferences are respected in critical situations.

B. "Once I choose a health care proxy, they will start making my health care decisions.": While selecting a health care proxy is an important step, they can only make decisions when the client is unable to do so. This means that the proxy’s authority to act is contingent upon the client’s capacity to communicate their wishes.

C. "I am required to complete these documents during my hospital stay.": Clients are encouraged to create advance directives, but there is no legal requirement to complete these documents while in the hospital. Clients have the right to determine the timing and circumstances under which they complete advance directives.

D. "The hospital is legally required to provide me information on these documents.": Hospitals have an obligation to inform clients about advance directives, ensuring they are aware of their rights and the options available for planning their medical care. This legal requirement promotes informed decision-making among clients.

E. "When completed, a copy of these documents will be kept in my medical record.": Storing advance directives in the medical record is essential for ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the client’s preferences regarding treatment. This practice helps to facilitate communication and adherence to the client’s wishes during their care.

F. "These documents provide instructions about my care preferences.": Advance directives outline a client’s preferences for medical treatment and interventions, ensuring that their values and wishes guide their care if they become unable to communicate those preferences. This helps healthcare providers understand and respect the client’s desires regarding their treatment.

A. The advice of an expert nephrology nurse. While experienced nurses provide valuable clinical insights, their knowledge may be based on personal experience rather than the latest evidence-based research. Best practices should be supported by scientific studies rather than anecdotal expertise.

B. Retrospective chart reviews. Chart reviews can offer useful data on past interventions and outcomes, but they do not always reflect the most current evidence-based practices. Additionally, they may contain inconsistencies or lack standardized guidelines necessary for broad application.

C. Facility critical pathway. Critical pathways are developed based on evidence-based guidelines, but they may not always reflect the most up-to-date research. These protocols are useful for standardizing care within a specific institution but should be supplemented with current peer-reviewed research to ensure best practices.

D. A recent peer-reviewed nursing research article. Peer-reviewed nursing research articles provide the most current and scientifically validated evidence. These sources undergo rigorous evaluation before publication, ensuring that recommendations are based on high-quality research rather than opinion or outdated protocols.