A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoarthritis and reports difficulty buttoning their clothes. The nurse should recommend a referral for the client to which of the following members of the interprofessional team?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should not promise that a social worker will address the client's concerns, as this might not be accurate. While a social worker could be involved in the client's care, it's not their sole responsibility to address all concerns. The primary role of a social worker might be to provide emotional support and assistance with psychosocial issues.

Choice B rationale:

Suggesting that the client should plan to go to a skilled nursing facility after discharge might not be appropriate unless it's medically necessary. Terminal illness often requires a focus on palliative and hospice care rather than transferring to another care facility.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. The case manager plays a key role in coordinating the various resources and services the client will need after discharge. They ensure a smooth transition from the hospital to home, including arranging for home health care, medical equipment, and any other necessary services.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that they will need hospice care until they feel stronger is not appropriate. Hospice care is specifically for individuals with terminal illnesses who have a limited life expectancy. It is not about getting stronger but about providing comfort and support during the end-of-life period.

Choice A rationale:

Ethics committees are tasked with providing guidance and recommendations in ethical dilemmas. They don't make the final decisions, but rather facilitate discussions and help individuals involved in the situation to weigh the options and make informed choices. This is consistent with the committee's role in addressing complex ethical decisions.

Choice B rationale:

Providing a legal representative for the family is not the primary role of an ethics committee. Legal representation is a separate matter and might be considered in situations where there are legal implications, but the committee's primary function is to address ethical concerns and conflicts.

Choice C rationale:

While ethics committees can offer recommendations, their focus is not necessarily on determining the best course of action for the client. Instead, they help individuals explore ethical principles and values to make decisions that align with the client's best interests.

Choice D rationale:

The ethics committee does not make decisions on behalf of the nursing team. Its role is to provide guidance and promote ethical discussions. Deciding how the nursing team should resolve the dilemma is beyond the committee's scope.