A nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of cefazolin via intermittent IV infusion to a client.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A rationale:

Making decisions about health care on clients' behalf without their involvement violates the principle of patient autonomy. Patients have the right to be actively involved in decisions about their own care and treatment plans. Encouraging shared decision-making and respecting patients' choices are essential aspects of nursing advocacy.

Choice B rationale:

Promoting health care access is a fundamental aspect of advocacy in client care. Nurses should advocate for their patients' access to necessary healthcare services, treatments, and resources. This includes ensuring that patients have access to appropriate medical facilities, specialists, medications, and therapies. Advocating for health care access helps patients receive timely and appropriate care, improving their overall health outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging clients to seek further information from the provider is crucial for informed decision-making. Providing patients with accurate and relevant information enables them to make educated choices about their health. Nurses can facilitate this process by clarifying medical information, explaining treatment options, and addressing patients' concerns. Informed patients are better equipped to actively participate in their care and advocate for their own needs.

Choice D rationale:

Addressing client needs when providing resources is an essential aspect of nursing advocacy. Nurses should assess their patients' individual needs and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide appropriate resources and support. This can include coordinating social services, arranging for home healthcare, or connecting patients with support groups. Meeting clients' needs ensures that they receive comprehensive care, promoting their overall well-being.

Choice E rationale:

Honoring family requests to withhold medical information can be ethically challenging. While family members play a significant role in a patient's life, confidentiality and patient autonomy must be respected. In most cases, healthcare providers should prioritize communicating directly with the patient, respecting their right to make decisions about their own health information. Exceptions may arise in situations involving legal guardianship or when patients are unable to communicate their preferences. However, the default approach should be to involve the patient directly in decisions about their healthcare information.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should prioritize the client's concerns and engage in therapeutic communication. By asking the client about their concerns, the nurse demonstrates empathy and encourages the client to express their feelings, which can help address any fears or anxieties related to using a bedpan. This approach promotes trust and allows the nurse to provide appropriate support and education to the client.

Choice B rationale:

This option does not address the client's concerns about using a bedpan. Instructing the client to use nearby furniture does not address the client's emotional needs or provide appropriate assistance for the current situation.

Choice C rationale:

This response is authoritarian and does not respect the client's autonomy or emotional state. It may cause the client to feel powerless and anxious, which can negatively impact the nurse-client relationship.

Choice D rationale:

Involving the physical therapist in this situation is unnecessary and does not address the client's immediate concern. It also does not promote open communication between the nurse and the client about the client's feelings regarding using a bedpan.