Which of the following responses by the client indicates a risk for suicide, as assessed by a home health nurse caring for a client with AIDs?

When reviewing home safety precautions with a client who is to begin radioactive iodine therapy, the nurse should emphasize the importance of using a toilet that is not used by others in the family. The client should also flush the toilet several times after use and clean it with household bleach. The nurse should advise the client to use disposable plates, cups, and utensils and to avoid close contact with others, especially pregnant women and children. The client should also avoid sharing towels, linens, and other personal items. Waiting one week after treatment to use a laxative (choice A) and using cloth handkerchiefs instead of tissues (choice B) are not relevant to home safety precautions for this client. Allowing the granddaughter to visit for four hours daily (choice C) may be unsafe, as the client may still be emitting radiation.

When caring for a client with terminal cancer who expresses a desire to discontinue enteral tube feedings, the nurse's priority is to ensure that the client's wishes are respected and appropriate steps are taken. The most suitable action is:

c) Explain the process for completing a living will.

A living will is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences regarding medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate their wishes. In this situation, the client can express their desire to forgo enteral tube feedings through a living will, ensuring that their wishes are documented and legally recognized.

The other options may not be as appropriate:

a) Request the facility chaplain to visit the client:While spiritual and emotional support is important, the immediate concern is ensuring the client's autonomy in decision-making regarding medical interventions.

b) Ask the client to sign an informed consent form:Informed consent typically pertains to specific medical procedures, and discontinuing enteral tube feedings is more aligned with the broader context of advance care planning.

d) Complete an against medical advice form:This form is typically used when a patient refuses a recommended treatment against the medical team's advice. However, in this case, the client is expressing their own treatment preferences, and the focus should be on facilitating advance care planning and documentation.