ATI RN Community health 2019

ATI RN Community health 2019 ( 57 Questions)

Question 3 :

A home health nurse is caring for a client who has terminal cancer and no longer wants to receive enteral tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?



Correct Answer: C

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.


Join Naxlex Nursing for nursing questions & guides! Sign Up Now