A nurse is admitting a client who is hesitant to create advance directives due to concerns about affording legal representation.

Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

The correct answer is choice A: “We can review some information to help you select a safe alternative practitioner.” This statement shows respect for the client’s interest in alternative therapies and offers guidance on how to choose a reliable and qualified provider. Alternative therapies can provide some benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, such as reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but they should be used as a complement to conventional treatments and not as a substitute.

Choice B is wrong because it implies that the client has no role in deciding their own treatment plan and that alternative therapies are not worth considering.

This may discourage the client from sharing their preferences and concerns with the provider.

Choice C is wrong because it suggests that online support groups are a reliable source of information about alternative remedies, which may not be true.

Online sources may contain inaccurate, misleading, or harmful information that could jeopardize the client’s health and safety.

Choice D is wrong because it encourages the client to try any therapy that fits their personal belief system, without considering the evidence, effectiveness, or potential risks of such therapies. Some alternative therapies may interact with medications, cause side effects, or worsen the condition.

Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are not applicable in this question, as it is not asking about laboratory values or disease activity measures. However, some common tests used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis include erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, and joint ultrasound or X-ray.

The normal ranges for these tests may vary depending on the laboratory and the method used.

The correct answer is: B

Choice A reason: A social worker may assist clients in many ways, including finding legal representation. However, this statement does not address the client’s concern about the cost of legal representation for advance directives. It’s important to note that while social workers can provide support, they do not eliminate the need for legal representation if the client chooses to seek it.

Choice B reason: This is the correct statement because advance directives do not require legal representation to be valid. They become legally binding when signed in front of the required witnesses. This option directly addresses the client’s concern about affording legal representation by informing them that it is not necessary for the creation of advance directives.

Choice C reason: While medical care can be initiated without advance directives, this statement does not address the client’s concern about the cost of creating advance directives. It also implies that medical care is contingent on the completion of legal documents, which is not accurate.

Choice D reason: Verbal agreements are not as legally binding as written advance directives and could lead to misunderstandings or disputes later on. It is important for the client to have a clear and documented advance directive, which does not necessarily require legal review to be valid.