A nurse is caring a client who is unconscious and whose partner is their health care surrogate. The partner wishes to discontinue the client’s feeding tube, but another family member tells the nurse that they want the client to continue receiving treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
“You should contact the provider about your wishes to your family member.”
“You should speak with the facility’s ethics committee about your concerns.”
“We’ll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client’s advance directives.”
“As the health care surrogate, the client’s partner can make this decision.”
The Correct Answer is D
a. "You should contact the provider about your wishes for your family member."
While the provider may ultimately be involved in decision-making, it's important for the nurse to address the conflicting wishes and provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take in such situations.
b. "You should speak with the facility’s ethics committee about your concerns."
In cases of conflicting wishes or ethical dilemmas, involving the ethics committee can be beneficial. However, this response might not address the immediate need for clarification and guidance.
c. "We’ll need to have the nursing supervisor review the client’s advance directives."
Reviewing advance directives with the nursing supervisor is a reasonable step to ensure that the client's wishes are documented and followed. However, it might not directly address the conflicting wishes or provide immediate resolution.
d. "As the health care surrogate, the client’s partner can make this decision."
This is the correct response. The health care surrogate, appointed by the client or legally recognized as such, has the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of the unconscious client. It's important to follow the client's advance directives and legal designations regarding
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
a. A client who reports night sweats and fever for the last week:
Night sweats and fever can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including infections. While these symptoms may require medical attention, they do not necessarily indicate an immediately life-threatening condition compared to other options.
b. A client who has compound fractures of the tibia and humerus:
Compound fractures involve broken bones that penetrate through the skin, leading to a risk of severe bleeding, infection, and other complications. This client's injuries are significant and require immediate attention to prevent further complications and provide pain management and stabilization.
c. A client who reports severe vomiting and diarrhea:
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications, especially if prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever. While this client requires prompt assessment and treatment, the urgency may not be as high as for other conditions.
d. A client who has soot markings around each naris following a house fire:
Soot markings around the nares (nostrils) suggest inhalation injury, which can lead to airway compromise, respiratory distress, and other serious complications. This client requires immediate assessment and intervention to ensure airway patency, oxygenation, and respiratory support.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
a. A client who has just returned from the PACU:
Vital signs for a client who has just returned from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) are usually obtained by licensed nursing staff due to the potential for complications and the need for close monitoring.
b. A client who has a blood pressure of 110/68 mm Hg:
This client has stable vital signs, and obtaining blood pressure measurements within normal range is a routine task suitable for delegation to assistive personnel.
c. A client who is experiencing chest pain:
Clients experiencing chest pain require immediate assessment by licensed nursing staff or a healthcare provider. This is not a task appropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.
d. A client who has a fasting blood glucose of 104 mg/dL:
Monitoring blood glucose levels is typically within the scope of licensed nursing staff. Delegating tasks related to clients with diabetes or glucose monitoring to assistive personnel may not be appropriate.
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