A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has advanced dementia and needs a blood transfusion. The client previously designated her adult daughter on a durable power of attorney for health care form, and the daughter refuses the treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) "I will contact the provider to let her know":

This response acknowledges the client's uncertainty about the procedure and indicates the nurse's commitment to address the client's concerns promptly by involving the healthcare provider. Contacting the provider allows for further discussion of the client's decision and consideration of any alternatives or additional information needed to support the client's choice.

B) "You should discuss your concerns with your family":

While involving family members in decision-making can be beneficial, especially for emotional support, the client's decision about the procedure is ultimately theirs to make. Encouraging discussion with family members without addressing the client's immediate concerns may not effectively address the situation.

C) "This procedure is perfectly safe":

Asserting the safety of the procedure without addressing the client's uncertainties or reasons for hesitation may not adequately address the client's concerns. It's essential to acknowledge and explore the client's apprehensions rather than dismissing them outright.

D) "Why are you changing your mind about the procedure?":

This response may come across as confrontational and may put the client on the defensive. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and support, allowing the client to express their concerns openly without feeling judged or pressured.

A) Administer liquids to the client using a syringe:

Administering liquids using a syringe may not address the underlying issue of food pocketing in the client's cheeks during meals. While syringe feeding may be necessary for clients with severe dysphagia, it does not address the need for comprehensive evaluation and intervention by a speech therapist.

B) Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45° during meals:

Elevating the head of the bed during meals is a standard intervention to help prevent aspiration in clients with dysphagia. While this intervention may be appropriate, it may not directly address the issue of food pocketing in the client's cheeks. Therefore, it is not the most comprehensive intervention for this specific problem.

C) Instruct the client to tilt their head back when swallowing:

Tilting the head back when swallowing is not a recommended intervention for clients with dysphagia. In fact, this maneuver can increase the risk of aspiration, as it can cause food or liquid to enter the airway. Therefore, this intervention would not be appropriate and could potentially exacerbate the client's swallowing difficulties.

D) Request a speech therapist consult from the provider:

This is the most appropriate intervention for addressing the client's dysphagia and food pocketing. Speech therapists are trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders, including pocketing of food in the cheeks. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the client's swallowing function and develop individualized interventions to address the underlying causes of dysphagia. Therefore, requesting a speech therapist consult is the most effective way to manage this issue and improve the client's swallowing safety and efficiency.