A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of terminal cancer. The client tells the nurse that they would like to go home to be with family and loved ones. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale:

Documenting the client's vital signs obtained by an assistive personnel is correct. Documenting vital signs is fundamental and immediate requirement when admitting a client to ensure their current health status is accurately captured and can be monitored effectively.

Choice B rationale:

Charting a summary of the data at the change of the shift is incorrect. While it's essential to provide an update at shift change, this option suggests summarizing the data, which might not include all necessary details. Comprehensive documentation is crucial for continuity of care and accurate communication among healthcare providers. Documenting specific vital signs, assessments, interventions, and the client's response to those interventions is necessary for effective patient care.

Choice C rationale:

Noting whether the client has a living will is incorrect. While it's essential to be aware of a client's advanced directives, this information is typically gathered during the admission process or during routine assessments. It is not the immediate action to be taken upon admission. Vital signs and other immediate clinical data take precedence during the initial documentation process.

Choice D rationale:

Beginning charting with an evaluation of the data is incorrect. It is important to document objective data, such as vital signs, observations, and assessments, before making any evaluations or interpretations. Objective data provide the basis for clinical decisions and interventions. Starting with evaluations might lead to biased documentation, potentially overlooking important clinical findings.

Advocacy is a leadership role that helps others to self-actualize.

• A. Advocacy is a leadership role that helps others to self-actualize. This statement is true and reflects one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to empower others to achieve their full potential and exercise their rights and responsibilities. This choice is correct.
• B. Subordinates are advocates for the nurse manager. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to act in the best interest of those who are vulnerable or oppressed, not those who are in positions of power or authority. This choice is incorrect.
• C. Advocacy encourages clients to rely on health care staff for decision-making. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to respect and support clients' autonomy and self-determination, not to impose or influence their choices or actions. This choice is incorrect.
• D. Nurse managers should distrust people who expose inappropriate professional practices. This statement is false and contradicts one of the core principles of advocacy, which is to promote and uphold ethical standards and quality of care, not to conceal or ignore malpractice or misconduct. This choice is incorrect.