A nurse on a pediatric unit is caring for a toddler who has poor dietary intake. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

1. "Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable": This statement is correct. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is an individual designated by the client to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important for the client to choose someone they trust and who understands their values and wishes.
2. "You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate": This statement is a subjective recommendation and may not be applicable to all individuals. The decision of whom to appoint as a health care surrogate should be based on the client's personal preferences and the individual's ability to make informed decisions according to the client's wishes. While a family member is often chosen, it is not a requirement, and the client may choose a close friend, partner, or anyone else they trust to fulfill this role.
   1. "You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate": This statement is not necessarily true. While involving an attorney can be helpful, it is not always required to appoint a health care surrogate. In many jurisdictions, a legally valid healthcare surrogate designation can be made through a simple document or form provided by the hospital or a local government office. It is important to check the specific legal requirements in the client's jurisdiction.

"Your health care surrogate will make decisions on your behalf if you are unable": This statement is correct. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is an individual designated by the client to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to make decisions for themselves. It is important for the client to choose someone they trust and who understands their values and wishes.
"You will need an attorney to appoint a health care surrogate": This statement is not necessarily true. While involving an attorney can be helpful, it is not always required to appoint a health care surrogate. In many jurisdictions, a legally valid healthcare surrogate designation can be made through a simple document or form provided by the hospital or a local government office. It is important to check the specific legal requirements in the client's jurisdiction.
"You should appoint a family member as your health care surrogate": This statement is a subjective recommendation and may not be applicable to all individuals. The decision of whom to appoint as a health care surrogate should be based on the client's personal preferences and the individual's ability to make informed decisions according to the client's wishes. While a family member is often chosen, it is not a requirement, and the client may choose a close friend, partner, or anyone else they trust to fulfill this role.
"Once you have completed a living will, it cannot be changed": This statement is incorrect. A living will, which is a type of advanced directive, can be changed or revoked at any time by the client as long as they are competent to do so. It is important for the client to review and update their living will periodically to ensure that it reflects their current wishes regarding medical care and treatment.

Swelling of the lips

The nurse should reinforce with the client that the epinephrine auto-injector can help treat swelling of the lips. Epinephrine is a medication commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions, also known as anaphylaxis. Swelling of the lips is one of the hallmark manifestations of an allergic reaction.

Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse the allergic response by constricting blood vessels, relaxing smooth muscles, and reducing swelling and inflammation.

Nausea in (option A) is incorrect: Nausea can have various causes, and epinephrine is not specifically indicated for treating this symptom.

Hyperglycemia in (option B) is incorrect: Epinephrine can potentially increase blood glucose levels, so it is not used to treat hyperglycemia.

Hand tremors in (option C) is incorrect: Epinephrine can cause tremors as a side effect, so it is not used to treat hand tremors.