A nurse is caring for a client who is dying. One of the client's family members tells the nurse, "I need to help. What can I do?" Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

"The sides of the sling are for the client to hold on to." Is inaccurate. The sides of the sling in a mechanical lift are typically designed for the lift's attachment points, not for the client to hold on to. Clients usually need to remain relaxed and may not be able to hold on during the transfer.

Choice B Reason:

"The lower end of the sling goes below the client's calves." Is inaccurate. While it's important to position the sling correctly, stating that the lower end goes below the client's calves might not be universally accurate. The placement of the sling would depend on the type of lift and the specific needs of the client. It's crucial to follow manufacturer instructions and individualized care plans for sling placement.

Choice C Reason:

"This type of device is used for a client who cannot assist." Is accurate. This statement correctly identifies the primary purpose of a mechanical lift, which is to assist individuals who are unable to bear weight or assist with movement due to physical limitations. The mechanical lift helps transfer individuals safely without relying on their own strength or ability to assist in the movement.

Choice D Reason:

"The device requires the client to use upper body strength." Is inaccurate. This statement is incorrect. The purpose of a mechanical lift is to assist clients who cannot use their own strength, especially those who cannot bear weight or assist with movement. It is the machine that aids in lifting and transferring the individual, not the client's strength.

Choice A Reason:

"I cannot confirm or deny that we have a client by that name." is correct. Respecting patient confidentiality is crucial in healthcare. Revealing any information about a patient's condition without proper authorization or consent could breach confidentiality laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States. Therefore, providing minimal to no information over the phone to an unidentified caller is the appropriate approach to safeguard the patient's privacy.

Choice B Reason:

"I will tell him you called." Is incorrect. This response implies that the nurse will pass along the information or the fact that the employer called, potentially breaching the patient's confidentiality by confirming the client's presence in the hospital to an unauthorized person.

Choice C Reason:

"The client's condition is stable right now." Is incorrect. Revealing any information about the patient's condition to someone who hasn't been authorized to receive such information can breach patient confidentiality. Even stating that the condition is stable discloses some level of the patient's health status without proper consent.

Choice D Reason:

"He is here in the hospital, but I cannot tell you anything else." Is incorrect. While this response acknowledges the patient's presence in the hospital, it also hints that the nurse has information about the patient. It doesn't adhere to the standard of patient confidentiality, potentially breaching the patient's privacy.