Medicare is a big issue for the older adult who depends on this medical insurance to pay for his or her hospital bills, medications, and rehabilitation. When talking to your older client about what Medicare will pay for and what it will not, what do you tell your client that Medicare will not cover the cost of?

A. Assist with obtaining informed consent from the client.
Explanation: Informed consent is a critical aspect of healthcare procedures, but it requires the patient to have the capacity to understand and make decisions. In this scenario, the client is intubated and on mechanical ventilation, which might compromise their ability to communicate effectively. If the client lacks capacity, obtaining consent from the durable power of attorney (POA) is more appropriate.

B. Refer to the client's advance directive for a name.
Explanation: Advance directives, including the durable POA, provide guidance on a person's wishes for healthcare decisions when they are unable to communicate. However, the advance directive may not always specify a particular person's name for decisions related to specific medical interventions. The key consideration in this situation is to determine the current decision-making capacity and involve the appropriate decision-maker if needed.

C. Determine the client's inability to make reasonable decisions.
Explanation: This is the correct answer. In this scenario, the nurse should assess the client's capacity to make decisions. If the client lacks capacity, the durable POA can be activated to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the client. Capacity involves the ability to understand relevant information, appreciate the consequences of decisions, and communicate a choice.

D. Use the oral trail-making test to measure cognitive function.
Explanation: The oral trail-making test is a cognitive screening tool, but it may not be suitable in this critical care scenario with an intubated and mechanically ventilated patient. Moreover, the primary concern in this situation is determining the capacity to make healthcare decisions, which requires a more comprehensive evaluation than a specific cognitive function test. The focus should be on decision-making capacity rather than a cognitive assessment.

A. Provide a urinal and drinking water.

Explanation: While providing a urinal and drinking water is important for the client's comfort and hydration, it may not directly address the risk of falls in this situation.

B. Call for someone to bring the sign.

Explanation: Bringing a fall risk sign is a secondary measure and not as immediate as instructing the client to use the call bell. The priority is to ensure the client's safety by addressing the need for assistance promptly.

C. Instruct the client to use the call bell for help.

Explanation: Instructing the client to use the call bell for help is a crucial intervention to ensure that the client can request assistance when needed. Promptly responding to the call bell allows healthcare providers to assist the client with activities such as getting out of bed, using the bathroom, or reaching personal items without the risk of falls. Educating and encouraging clients to use the call bell empowers them to seek assistance and promotes their safety.

D. Ensure he can reach his personal items.

Explanation: Ensuring the client can reach personal items is part of providing a comfortable environment but may not prevent falls. The critical factor in fall prevention is promoting communication and the ability to request assistance in a timely manner.