An older adult male who is in his early 70's is admitted to the emergency department because of a COPD exacerbation. The client is struggling to breathe and the healthcare team is preparing for endotracheal intubation. The spouse's wife, who is 30 years younger than the client, asks the nurse to stop the procedure and provides the nurse a copy of the client's living will. Which action should the nurse take?

Rationale

A. A living will often includes directives regarding life-sustaining treatments, including intubation. If the living will explicitly states a preference against intubation, the nurse should ensure this information is known to the healthcare team. However, a living will does not automatically imply a DNR status unless specifically stated.

B. When a living will is presented, and decisions need to be made regarding life-sustaining treatments like intubation, it is appropriate to facilitate a family meeting. In this meeting, the healthcare team, including palliative care specialists if available, can discuss the client's wishes as outlined in the living will. The goal is to ensure everyone understands the client's preferences and to make informed decisions about the course of treatment.

C. The nurse should notify the attending healthcare provider about the existence of the client's living will and its directives regarding medical interventions such as intubation. The healthcare provider needs to be aware of the client's wishes to guide the decision-making process and ensure appropriate care is provided according to the client's preferences.

D. It is crucial to ensure that the living will, once verified and certified as authentic, is placed in the client's medical record. This document serves as a legal and ethical guide for healthcare decisions, especially during critical situations like an exacerbation requiring intubation.

Rationale

A. During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove fluid or air. It's common for clients to feel a stinging sensation or discomfort during needle insertion. The nurse should confirm this understanding with the client and reassure them that local anesthesia will be used to minimize discomfort.

B. The positioning described (sitting forward with arms propped on a table) helps to expand the intercostal spaces and facilitates easier access to the pleural space during the procedure. The nurse should reinforce this position as appropriate for the thoracentesis procedure.

C. This statement is incorrect and would indicate a need for additional education. A persistent cough is not an expected outcome after a thoracentesis. While some clients may experience a mild cough during or immediately after the procedure due to irritation from the needle or local anesthesia, it should not persist afterwards.

D. This statement is generally correct. After a thoracentesis, it is recommended to limit strenuous activity and avoid heavy lifting for a day or two to minimize the risk of complications such as discomfort or injury at the needle insertion site. The nurse should support this instruction as part of the client's post-procedure care.