A client who has metastatic bone cancer tells the nurse, “I want to go home to die.” The client’s family is concerned about meeting the client’s care needs at home. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Discuss a referral to home health and hospice care with the client and family.

This is the correct answer. Discussing a referral to home health and hospice care addresses the client's expressed desire to go home and provides the necessary support and care for both the client and the family during this challenging time.

B. Contact the social worker to assist with nursing home placement.

This option may not align with the client's wish to go home. Nursing home placement may not be the preferred choice, especially when the client wants to spend their final days in a home setting.

C. Talk with the provider about extending the client’s hospital stay.

Prolonging the hospital stay may not meet the client's expressed wish to go home and may not provide the same level of comfort and support as home health and hospice care.

D. Instruct the family about meeting the client’s palliative care needs at home.

While providing information about meeting palliative care needs at home is important, it is more comprehensive to involve home health and hospice services, which can provide skilled care, emotional support, and assistance to the family in managing the client's care needs at home.

A. Keep the prosthesis in direct contact with the residual limb.

This statement is incorrect. Prosthetic care typically involves using a liner or sock between the residual limb and the prosthesis. This helps to provide cushioning, absorb sweat, and reduce friction, contributing to comfort and preventing skin irritation.

B. Apply a moisturizing lotion or oil to the stump daily.

Moisturizing the skin on the residual limb is generally advisable to prevent dryness and irritation. However, it's crucial to ensure that the skin is completely dry before attaching the prosthesis. Moisturizing can help maintain skin health and comfort.

C. Dry the prosthesis socket completely before applying it to the limb.

This statement is correct. Ensuring that the prosthesis socket is thoroughly dry before application is crucial to prevent skin irritation and ensure a secure fit. Moisture between the skin and the prosthesis can contribute to discomfort and skin-related issues.

D. Expect some skin irritation from the prosthesis.

While it is common to experience minor skin irritation initially as the individual adjusts to the prosthesis, persistent or severe irritation should be addressed. The goal is to achieve a proper fit and minimize skin-related problems through appropriate care and adjustments.