A nurse is caring for the client.

Exhibits

Select the 5 findings that indicate the client's condition has improved.

Rationale:

A. Explain to the client they can change their mind at any time: Clients have the right to make or revoke decisions about resuscitation at any time. Informing the client of this autonomy supports informed consent and respects their evolving preferences and values regarding end-of-life care.

B. Obtain consent from the family for the change to the plan of care: The decision for a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is made by the client, not the family, if the client is competent. Family involvement is supportive but does not override the client’s autonomy in this matter.

C. Discharge the client to hospice care: While hospice may be appropriate for end-stage disease, requesting a DNR does not automatically necessitate discharge. Clients can remain in the current care setting with appropriate adjustments to their goals of care.

D. Place a sign with "Do Not Resuscitate" outside the client's room: Displaying such signs can violate privacy and confidentiality. Instead, the DNR order should be documented clearly in the medical record and care plan, accessible to the healthcare team.

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Self-harm: The client expresses suicidal ideation influenced by delusions, indicating a strong risk of acting on these impulses. In schizophrenia, command hallucinations are particularly dangerous when they involve instructions to harm oneself.
• Command hallucinations: The client reports hearing voices directing them to act, which is a hallmark of command hallucinations. These are associated with a heightened risk of harm to self or others, especially when the client appears fearful or paranoid, as in this case.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Palming medications: Although the client is suspicious and refuses medication (“I’m not letting you poison me”), there is no evidence yet of palming or hiding pills. The agitation could indicate refusal, but not covert medication avoidance.
• Poor hygiene: While the client shows confusion regarding bathing and clothing, these are not the most immediate safety threats compared to suicide risk. Poor hygiene is a concern in schizophrenia but not the most critical issue at this time.
• Impaired memory: Impaired memory is evident (e.g., forgetting routines), but this is not directly linked to a life-threatening risk. Memory issues can affect functioning but don’t explain the urgency of the client’s safety threat.
• Distractibility: The client appears distracted at times (e.g., during dressing), but distractibility alone does not account for the risk of self-harm. It contributes to disorganization but is not the main safety concern.