A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and tells the nurse, "I feel like an elephant is sitting on my chest." The client is weak and unable to walk.
After the nurse initiates chest pain protocol, which of the following is the priority diagnostic test?

In the context of an emergency response plan following an external disaster and the need to create bed space for potential admissions, the nurse should consider early discharge for clients who are stable and whose discharge will not compromise their safety or health. Based on the given options, the most appropriate candidate for early discharge would be:

B) A client who is 1 day postoperative following a vertebroplasty.

Clients who are one day postoperative after a vertebroplasty are typically recovering from a relatively minor procedure and may be stable for discharge if their condition remains uncomplicated.

The other options:

A) A client receiving heparin for deep-vein thrombosis may require ongoing monitoring and treatment, and early discharge might not be appropriate.

C) A client with cancer and a sealed implant for radiation therapy likely has specific treatment needs and should not be discharged early.

D) A client with COPD and a respiratory rate of 44/min likely has respiratory distress and should not be discharged early. Their condition requires close monitoring and intervention.

Choice A rationale:

Making decisions about health care on clients' behalf without their involvement violates the principle of patient autonomy. Patients have the right to be actively involved in decisions about their own care and treatment plans. Encouraging shared decision-making and respecting patients' choices are essential aspects of nursing advocacy.

Choice B rationale:

Promoting health care access is a fundamental aspect of advocacy in client care. Nurses should advocate for their patients' access to necessary healthcare services, treatments, and resources. This includes ensuring that patients have access to appropriate medical facilities, specialists, medications, and therapies. Advocating for health care access helps patients receive timely and appropriate care, improving their overall health outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging clients to seek further information from the provider is crucial for informed decision-making. Providing patients with accurate and relevant information enables them to make educated choices about their health. Nurses can facilitate this process by clarifying medical information, explaining treatment options, and addressing patients' concerns. Informed patients are better equipped to actively participate in their care and advocate for their own needs.

Choice D rationale:

Addressing client needs when providing resources is an essential aspect of nursing advocacy. Nurses should assess their patients' individual needs and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide appropriate resources and support. This can include coordinating social services, arranging for home healthcare, or connecting patients with support groups. Meeting clients' needs ensures that they receive comprehensive care, promoting their overall well-being.

Choice E rationale:

Honoring family requests to withhold medical information can be ethically challenging. While family members play a significant role in a patient's life, confidentiality and patient autonomy must be respected. In most cases, healthcare providers should prioritize communicating directly with the patient, respecting their right to make decisions about their own health information. Exceptions may arise in situations involving legal guardianship or when patients are unable to communicate their preferences. However, the default approach should be to involve the patient directly in decisions about their healthcare information.