An 80-year-old woman comes to the community health care facility with a large bag of medications. She tells the nurse she can no longer afford these medications because her only income is Social Security. Which statement is the best response by the nurse?

A. "These medications are important. Do your best to pay for them." This dismisses the patient's financial hardship and does not offer assistance or alternatives.

B. "Let's go through these medications and see which ones we can delete." Nurses should not arbitrarily stop medications. Only a healthcare provider (e.g., physician, pharmacist) should determine if any medications can be discontinued or adjusted.

C. "You can get these medicines at a clinic for free." This is misleading because not all clinics offer free medications. The nurse should verify available programs before making such a statement.

D. "Let's see if we can get some help from Medicare to help you pay for these medications." This response provides a realistic solution by exploring financial assistance options, such as Medicare Part D, Medicaid, or other drug assistance programs.

A. Communicate concern with chain of command: Addressing moral distress requires advocating for ethical concerns. Reporting issues to supervisors or the chain of command can initiate discussions and potential solutions.

B. Seek support from ethics committees: Ethics committees provide guidance and a structured way to resolve ethical dilemmas, helping nurses navigate morally distressing situations.

C. Be proactive: Taking a proactive approach—such as staying informed on ethical policies and seeking resolution early—can help prevent worsening distress.

D. Examine ways to work toward addressing the stressors: Identifying specific causes of moral distress and finding ways to address them, whether through self-reflection or systemic changes, promotes resilience and ethical practice.

E. Avoid discussing with others situations leading to moral distress: Suppressing concerns can worsen distress and lead to burnout. Open discussions with trusted colleagues, mentors, or support groups can help process emotions and develop solutions.