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 rationale

Applying suction while inserting the catheter is incorrect and can cause tissue damage and hypoxia. Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter to prevent injury to the tracheal mucosa.

Choice B rationale

Applying intermittent suction for up to 30 seconds is excessive and can cause hypoxia and trauma to the trachea. The correct duration for intermittent suctioning is 10-15 seconds per pass to minimize these risks.

Choice C rationale

Preoxygenating the client prior to suctioning helps prevent hypoxia by ensuring the client has adequate oxygen reserves during the procedure. This is a standard practice to enhance patient safety during suctioning.

Choice D rationale

Instructing the client to swallow during catheter insertion is inappropriate and can lead to gagging or aspiration. The client should be relaxed and still during insertion to prevent complications.

Choice A rationale

This statement indicates that the client understands advance directives allow them to make decisions about their care while they are still capable. This reflects the purpose of advance directives, which is to respect and uphold the client’s autonomy and choices regarding their medical care.

Choice B rationale

This statement is incorrect because clients can change their advance directives or living will at any time. The purpose of these documents is to provide flexibility and ensure that the client's current wishes are followed.

Choice C rationale

This statement is incorrect. Once a living will is signed and witnessed or notarized, it becomes legally binding without a waiting period. The delay mentioned here is not a part of the advance directive process.

Choice D rationale

This statement is not accurate. A living will usually includes decisions about life support, and a separate consent form is not typically needed for those decisions. The client’s wishes regarding life support would be documented in the living will itself.