A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose. The client has a living will that declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure, but the client's family has requested that the staff begin tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Insert the tube and begin feedings per the family's request.
Ask the provider to discuss the issue with the family.
Report the dilemma to the facility's dietitian.
Review the client's request with the family.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D: Review the client's request with the family.
Choice D rationale: Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.
Choice A rationale: Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.
Choice B rationale: While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.
Choice C rationale: Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Provide information about alternate birth control methods.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should prioritize providing information about alternate birth control methods to the client who is uncertain about undergoing a tubal ligation. This approach aligns with the principle of informed consent and patient autonomy. By presenting different options, the client can make a well-informed decision about their reproductive health. This ensures that the client's choice is based on a comprehensive understanding of all available alternatives.
Choice B rationale:
While involving the client's partner in the decision-making process can be important, the primary responsibility of decision-making lies with the client. Therefore, asking if the client has discussed the decision with their partner (Choice B) may not directly address the client's uncertainty and need for information about alternative birth control methods.
Choice C rationale:
Emphasizing the benefits of having the procedure (Choice C) might not be appropriate if the client is uncertain about whether it's the right choice for them. This approach may come across as biased and not respectful of the client's ambivalence. Providing unbiased information about all options is a more balanced approach.
Choice D rationale:
Discussing the client's feelings about the procedure (Choice D) is essential but should be done in conjunction with providing information about alternate birth control methods. Addressing the client's emotions without offering alternatives may not fully support the client's decision-making process.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: A nurse is photocopying their assigned client's diagnostic test results.
Choice A rationale: The charge nurse should intervene because photocopying a client's diagnostic test results can pose a potential breach of confidentiality and privacy. Unless there is a specific and authorized reason, personal health information should not be copied or removed from the client's medical record.
Choice B rationale: An assistive personnel (AP) documenting a client's vital signs on the client's paper-based graphic record is a routine task and does not require intervention by the charge nurse.
Choice C rationale: The unit secretary faxing a client's laboratory results to the provider is a standard practice for sharing necessary health information with the care team. No intervention is required.
Choice D rationale: An RN staying with a client who is reading their requested medical records is appropriate. Clients have the right to access their own medical records, and the nurse's presence can help address any questions or concerns the client might have while reviewing their records.
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