A nurse working on a medical-surgical unit is notified about a mass casualty event that recently took place in the community. Which of the following assignments should the nurse anticipate?

Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is important for the nurse to educate the client about advance directives, their purpose, and how they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: The nurse should explain to the client that an advance directive is a legally binding document that guides healthcare decisions, and it must be respected and followed by healthcare providers.

Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: The nurse should ensure that the client's advance directives status is accurately documented in the medical record and communicated to other members of the healthcare team during shift handoffs. This helps ensure that the client's wishes are known and respected by all involved in their care.

Initiate a power of attorney for a healthcare document: The nurse can assist the client in initiating a power of attorney for a healthcare document if the client wishes to appoint someone as their healthcare proxy or agent. This document designates someone to make medical decisions on behalf of the client if they become unable to do so.

The other options listed are not appropriate or accurate in relation to the responsibilities of the nurse regarding advance directives:

• Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client: While discussing do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status may be part of the advance care planning process, it is not directly related to advance directives as a whole.
• Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: This statement is incorrect and misleading. An advance directive does not automatically discontinue care but rather guides the provision of care according to the client's wishes.

Quoting client comments verbatim in the documentation should be avoided. Instead, the nurse should summarize or paraphrase the relevant information provided by the client. This helps to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in the documentation process.

Documenting giving a dose of pain medication just prior to administration: Documentation should accurately reflect the timing and administration of medications. It is not appropriate to document giving a dose of medication just prior to administering it, as it would not provide an accurate account of the client's care. The medication administration should be documented after it has been given.

Limiting documentation to subjective information: Documentation should include both objective and subjective information. Objective information refers to measurable and observable data, while subjective information represents the client's thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Including both types of information provides a comprehensive view of the client's condition and the care provided.

Documenting information telephoned in by a nurse who left the unit for the day: Documentation should only include information that has been directly observed or obtained by the nurse providing care. It is not appropriate to document information telephoned in by a nurse who is not present and available to verify or provide additional details. Each nurse should be responsible for documenting their own observations and actions.

Accurate and comprehensive documentation is crucial for maintaining continuity of care, ensuring effective communication among the healthcare team, and promoting the client's safety and well-being. Nurses should adhere to institutional policies and guidelines regarding documentation practices and prioritize accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism in their documentation.