An adult client has been hospitalized for the past three weeks due to complications experienced following elective surgery. When the client's condition first began to deteriorate, the client's spouse reminded the healthcare provider that the client has a living will explaining the desire for a natural death. The healthcare provider does not agree with the client's living will and refuses to honor it. Which action should the nurse take?
Notify the hospital ethical committee to assist with client's wishes.
Have resuscitation equipment readily available.
Document healthcare provider's refusal to honor client's wishes.
Facilitate a meeting between the healthcare provider and the spouse.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The ethics committee can provide guidance on how to navigate the conflict between the healthcare provider’s beliefs and the client's documented wishes. The committee can mediate discussions and help ensure that the client's rights and preferences are respected according to legal and ethical standards.
B. While having resuscitation equipment available might be relevant if there is a sudden need for emergency intervention, it does not directly address the issue of honoring the client’s living will. This action does not resolve the ethical conflict or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected.
C. Documenting the healthcare provider’s refusal is important for legal and medical records but does not resolve the situation or ensure that the client’s wishes are respected. Documentation alone does not address the ethical conflict or take action to honor the client’s living will.
D. Facilitating a meeting between the healthcare provider and the spouse could be beneficial for discussing the client’s wishes and potentially reaching a mutual understanding. However, if the healthcare provider remains unwilling to honor the living will despite such discussions, this action alone may not resolve the conflict.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Sundowning refers to confusion and agitation that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening in some individuals with dementia or other cognitive impairments. While important for understanding the client’s cognitive and behavioral patterns, this question is more specific to cognitive or behavioral issues rather than directly assessing functional abilities.
B. Values clarification regarding end-of-life care is crucial, especially for advanced planning and ensuring that care aligns with the client’s preferences. However, this is typically part of a different type of discussion and planning, rather than a general functional assessment.
C. Inquiring about recent falls is a relevant component of a functional assessment. Falls can indicate issues with mobility, balance, strength, or cognitive function, all of which are critical for assessing a client's need for nursing home care. Understanding the frequency and circumstances of falls helps in evaluating the client's overall safety and functional status, which is essential for planning appropriate care.
D. Asking the client to lie still is not typically relevant or necessary for a functional assessment, which
generally involves evaluating the client’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), mobility, and overall function. A functional assessment often involves observing the client’s movement, activities, and responses, which requires them to be active and engaged rather than lying still.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Morphine is a potent opioid used for pain relief, but it can have side effects, including respiratory depression. While it is important to be aware of and discuss potential side effects, focusing on
respiratory problems might increase the client’s anxiety about using the medication.
B. A PCA pump allows patients to self-administer pain medication within prescribed limits, providing more control over pain management. However, PCA pumps are typically used in hospital settings and may not be practical or appropriate for home hospice care.
C. Providing a schedule for around-the-clock analgesic use is a practical and effective approach to pain management. It ensures that the client receives consistent pain relief and helps prevent the pain from becoming unmanageable.
D. Teaching the family to evaluate the effectiveness of analgesics is important for ongoing pain management. This includes recognizing signs of pain relief and potential side effects. However, this action might be more relevant once pain management is underway and requires follow-up, rather than addressing the immediate concern of managing pain effectively from the start.
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