A nurse is providing care to four clients in an acute care setting. The nurse should identify that which of the following client statements presents an ethical dilemma?

The correct answer is choice B. Removing the client's dentures.

Choice A rationale:

Gathering the client's personal belongings is an appropriate action in the postmortem care process. This step allows the family to receive their loved one's belongings, contributing to a compassionate and respectful care process.

Choice B rationale:

Removing the client's dentures requires intervention by the nurse. In postmortem care, dentures should be left in place to maintain the natural appearance of the deceased's face and to ensure that the mouth and lips maintain their proper form.

Choice C rationale:

Placing absorbent pads under the client's buttocks is a common practice to manage any potential leakage of bodily fluids after death. This action helps maintain the cleanliness and dignity of the deceased individual.

Choice D rationale:

Closing the client's eyes is an appropriate action during postmortem care. It provides a peaceful appearance and shows respect for the deceased person.

The correct answer is choice d. “Have you had small liquid stools?”

Choice A rationale:

While knowing the types of foods the client has been eating can provide insight into dietary habits that may contribute to constipation, it is not the most direct question to identify a fecal impaction.

Choice B rationale:

Asking about the use of stool softeners or laxatives is relevant to understanding the client’s bowel management, but it does not directly indicate the presence of a fecal impaction.

Choice C rationale:

Passing gas can indicate that there is some bowel movement, but it does not confirm or rule out a fecal impaction.

Choice D rationale:

Small liquid stools can be a sign of fecal impaction, as liquid stool may leak around the impacted mass. This makes it the most important question to ask when suspecting a fecal impaction.