A nurse is reviewing the prescriptions for a client who has a new diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify with the provider?

Answer: D. The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:

Rationale:

A) The nurse files an incident report regarding a medication error:

Filing an incident report about a medication error is an important action for ensuring safety and quality improvement within the healthcare setting. However, it is primarily a procedural and administrative task rather than an act of direct advocacy for an individual client's needs or rights.

B) The nurse provides wound care to a client at the time promised to the client:

Providing wound care as promised demonstrates reliability and adherence to care plans, which is essential for trust and effective nursing practice. While this action shows respect for the client's needs and preferences, it does not specifically address the broader role of advocacy, which often involves intervening on behalf of the client's best interests in more complex situations.

C) The nurse declines to inform a client's neighbor about the client's prognosis:

Maintaining client confidentiality by not sharing private information with unauthorized individuals is a fundamental aspect of ethical nursing practice. This action protects the client's privacy but is more about upholding legal and ethical standards than actively advocating for the client's overall well-being or specific needs.

D) The nurse refers a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for palliative care services:

Referring a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to palliative care services exemplifies client advocacy. This action recognizes the client's need for comprehensive support, focusing on improving quality of life, managing symptoms, and providing holistic care. It involves proactive steps to address the client's complex health needs, ensuring they receive appropriate and compassionate care beyond standard medical treatment.

Choice A rationale:
Assessing the need for oral suction every 4 hours is essential in maintaining airway patency and preventing complications associated with excessive secretions. This is an appropriate action and does not require clarification.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the ventilator settings every 12 hours is necessary to ensure that the mechanical ventilation is providing adequate support for the client's respiratory needs. This prescription is appropriate and does not need clarification.
Choice C rationale:
Keeping the head of the client's bed elevated at 30° is important in preventing aspiration and ventilator-associated pneumonia. This position helps promote optimal lung expansion and improves oxygenation in ventilated clients.
Choice D rationale:
Performing oral hygiene using an alcohol-based oral rinse is not recommended for clients receiving mechanical ventilation. Alcohol-based products can be harmful if aspirated and may disrupt the normal oral flora, leading to complications. The nurse should use a non-alcohol-based oral rinse or foam swabs instead.