A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer. The client tells the nurse they do not want to be resuscitated in the event of a cardiac arrest. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Music therapy reduces pain perception but doesn’t eliminate breakthrough pain needs. Scientifically, it’s an adjunct, not a replacement, for analgesics, as severe pain signals persist despite auditory distraction, indicating misunderstanding of its supplementary role in hospice care.

Choice B reason: Discontinuing music when unresponsive overlooks its passive benefits, like comfort, even in unconscious states. Scientifically, auditory stimuli can soothe, suggesting continued use, not cessation, misaligning with hospice goals for holistic pain management.

Choice C reason: Increasing alertness contradicts music therapy’s calming effect in hospice, aimed at relaxation, not stimulation. Scientifically, it lowers arousal to ease pain perception, not heighten awareness, showing a misgrasp of its palliative intent.

Choice D reason: Music distracts from pain by engaging the brain’s auditory cortex, reducing focus on nociceptive signals. Scientifically, this aligns with gate control theory, where non-painful stimuli mitigate pain perception, reflecting accurate understanding of its role in hospice care.

Choice A reason: Blaming assistive personnel is subjective and speculative, not factual documentation. Falls may have multiple causes—mobility or environment—not just slippers. Legally and scientifically, records require objective data, not assumptions, to ensure accurate care planning and avoid liability missteps in clinical reporting.

Choice B reason: Quoting the client’s account provides objective, firsthand data about the fall’s circumstances—loss of balance during transfer. This factual detail aids in assessing risk factors like mobility or weakness, aligning with scientific documentation standards for precision and relevance in medical records.

Choice C reason: Incident reports are separate from medical records; mentioning one here is inappropriate. It’s an administrative action, not clinical data, and risks redundancy. Scientifically, records focus on patient status, not process notes, ensuring clarity for care continuity over procedural documentation.

Choice D reason: "Does not appear" is vague, not definitive, lacking objective findings like "no bruising noted." Documentation requires specific observations for accuracy. Scientifically, imprecise language weakens care planning, as it fails to confirm injury status with measurable evidence needed for clinical decisions.