A murse is caring for an older adult client who has advanced dementia and needs a blood transfusion. The client previously designated her ad daughter on a durable power of attorney for health care form, and the daughter refuses the treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Report the occurrence to the nursing supervisor:

While reporting the occurrence is important, verifying the DNR status takes precedence. The nurse needs to gather information and confirm whether the patient has a current DNR order before escalating the issue to a higher authority.

B. Complete an incident report stating the facts of the situation:

Completing an incident report is a part of the process, but it should not be the first action. The immediate concern is to determine if the patient has a valid DNR order. An incident report can be completed later to document the situation and any actions taken.

C. Verify the DNR prescription is current in the medical record.

Verifying the DNR (do-not-resuscitate) prescription is the first and most immediate action the nurse should take. It is crucial to confirm the current status of the DNR order to ensure that the healthcare team is following the patient's wishes. If the DNR is indeed valid and up-to-date, it means the resuscitation efforts, including CPR, were contrary to the patient's expressed wishes.

D. Request a meeting with the ethics committee:

Contacting the ethics committee may be necessary depending on the circumstances, but it is not the first step. Verifying the DNR status is an immediate action that can guide subsequent decisions. If there are ethical concerns or conflicts, involving the ethics committee can be considered after confirming the facts surrounding the DNR order.

A. Log off the computer to attend the client's needs:

Logging off ensures that the client’s health information is protected, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations. This prevents unauthorized access to sensitive information when the nurse is away from the computer.

B. Complete the documentation before going to the client's room:

While completing documentation is important, the nurse should prioritize responding to the immediate needs of the client. The nurse can return to complete the documentation afterward.

C. Leave the computer in the hallway:

Leaving the computer unattended in the hallway poses a security risk and compromises the confidentiality of the client's information.

D. Minimize the screen while addressing the client's needs:

Minimizing the screen does not secure the information on the computer. It can still be accessed by others, potentially leading to breaches of client confidentiality.