A nurse is caring for a client who is flushed and has a temperature of 38.7° C (101.7° F). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Turning on loud music in client care areas is not a good action. Loud music can increase noise levels, disrupt sleep, and cause agitation and anxiety for clients. The nurse should keep the noise level low and provide earplugs or headphones for clients who want to listen to music.

Choice B reason: Assigning different nurses to provide care for clients each day is not a good action. Different nurses may have different styles, routines, and expectations, which can confuse and frustrate clients. The nurse should maintain consistency and continuity of care by assigning the same nurses to the same clients as much as possible.

Choice C reason: While offering some choices can empower clients and reduce stress, too many choices might overwhelm them, particularly in an acute care setting. The key is to provide a balance of autonomy while not overwhelming the client.

Choice D reason: Limiting the number of visitors can help create a quieter, more controlled environment, reducing overstimulation and stress for clients. This can be particularly important in an acute care setting where rest and a calm environment are crucial for recovery.

Choice A reason: You do not need to have advance directives in place in order to refuse recommended treatment. Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to express your wishes for your health care in case you are unable to communicate or make decisions for yourself. You have the right to accept or refuse any treatment at any time, as long as you are competent and informed.

Choice B reason: An attorney is not needed in order for you to name a designee in your health care proxy. A health care proxy is a type of advance directive that allows you to appoint a person to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. You can choose anyone you trust, such as a family member or a friend, as your designee. You do not need a lawyer to complete a health care proxy form, but you need to sign it in front of two witnesses.

Choice C reason: You can decline to have certain medical procedures performed in your living will. A living will is another type of advance directive that allows you to state your preferences for life-sustaining treatments, such as CPR, artificial ventilation, or feeding tubes. You can specify which treatments you want or do not want, and under what circumstances. You can also include your values and beliefs about your quality of life and end-of-life care.

Choice D reason: A living will cannot be an oral statement that you agree upon with your provider. A living will must be a written document that is signed by you and witnessed by two people. An oral statement may not be legally valid or enforceable, and it may not reflect your current wishes. You should review and update your living will periodically, and share it with your provider, your designee, and your family.