A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has a hearing aid. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when the client reports hearing a whistling sound from the hearing aid?

Choice A Reason:

Discontinuing supplements containing vitamin C 24 hr. before the test is incorrect. While high doses of vitamin C might interfere with the accuracy of some laboratory tests, it typically doesn't impact fecal occult blood testing. However, it's always best to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory.

Choice B Reason:

Refraining from consuming pork 7 days before the test. There isn't typically a requirement to avoid specific foods, such as pork, before a fecal occult blood test. The test is designed to detect blood in the stool, regardless of the diet. However, some dietary restrictions might be advised based on specific instructions or conditions, but these are not universally applicable.

Choice C Reason:

Placing a thick layer of stool on the specimen card is incorrect. When collecting a sample for a fecal occult blood test, it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory. Generally, a small portion of stool is applied to the designated area on the specimen card as instructed, rather than applying a thick layer. Applying too much stool can affect the accuracy of the test.

Choice D Reason:

Urinating prior to collecting the stool specimen is correct. This instruction ensures that the urine doesn't contaminate the stool sample, which could potentially affect the accuracy of the test results.

Choice A Reason:

"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.

This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.

Choice B Reason:

"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.

Choice C Reason:

"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.

Choice D Reason:

"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.