A nurse is caring for a child who has terminal cancer.

Which of the following responses by the child's siblings should the nurse expect?

As individuals age, there is a natural decline in kidney function. This can result in a reduced ability to filter and excrete medications and their metabolites from the body. The decreased kidney function can lead to a longer half-life of medications, increased drug accumulation, and an increased risk of adverse drug reactions. It is important for the nurse to adjust medication dosages and frequencies based on the individual's renal function to prevent drug toxicity.

Increased liver function: Aging is associated with a gradual decline in liver function. While there may be some individual variations, in general, liver function decreases rather than increases with age. However, changes in liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of medications. Some medications may require dosage adjustments based on liver function, but it is not a common physiological change in older adults.

Increased metabolism: Aging is generally associated with a decrease in metabolism rather than an increase. The metabolic rate tends to slow down with age, which can affect the pharmacokinetics of medications. Slower metabolism can result in medications taking longer to be metabolized and cleared from the body, potentially leading to prolonged drug effects.

Decreased pulmonary function: While it is true that lung function decreases with age, the impact on medication administration is not as significant compared to kidney function. Medications are usually administered through non-pulmonary routes (e.g., oral, intravenous, transdermal), and decreased pulmonary function primarily affects the absorption of inhaled medications. However, certain respiratory conditions or compromised lung function may influence medication choices or require adjusted dosing.

A. You have the right to refuse the recommended treatment plan.

As a nurse, it’s essential to respect the autonomy and decision-making capacity of your patients. Patients have the right to make informed choices about their own healthcare, including whether to accept or decline treatment recommendations. By acknowledging the patient’s right to refuse treatment, you empower them to be active participants in their care.

B.Option b is not the correct answer because it focuses on informing the provider without addressing the client's concerns or providing guidance.

C.Option c is not the correct answer because it emphasizes the medical consequences of not treating the cancer without acknowledging the client's personal beliefs or values.

D. In cases like yours, it is best to talk with your clergyperson before deciding this.

While option D acknowledges the importance of seeking emotional and spiritual support during difficult decisions, it does not directly address the patient’s right to refuse treatment. As a nurse, your primary responsibility is to respect the patient’s autonomy and provide accurate information about their treatment options. Encouraging open communication with a clergyperson or any other trusted individual can be beneficial, but it should not override the patient’s right to make their own decisions regarding their healthcare.