A nurse is caring for a client in an acute care setting.

Exhibits

The client is at risk for ________ as evidences by __________.

Complete the following sentence by using the list of options. Pick 2 choices.

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:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common complication of esophageal cancer and can lead to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. It is the priority finding because addressing the client's ability to swallow is essential for maintaining adequate nutrition and preventing complications.

Choice B rationale:

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is another common side effect of radiation therapy, but while uncomfortable, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client's health compared to dysphagia.

Choice C rationale:

Excoriation of the skin on the neck and chest is likely due to the radiation therapy and can be managed with appropriate skin care measures. Although important, it is not the priority compared to dysphagia.

Choice D rationale:

The client's self-reported pain level of 6 on a scale from 0 to 10 is concerning and requires attention, but addressing dysphagia takes precedence due to its potential impact on the client's nutritional status and overall well-being.