While auditing the medical records of clients currently on an oncology unit, the nurse manager finds that six of the 15 records lack documentation regarding advance directives. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take?

A. Convey the client's request to the nurse who witnessed the consent.The nurse who witnessed the consent does not have the authority to explain the risks of the procedure. Their role is only to witness that the consent was signed, not to provide information about the procedure.

B. Notify the provider about the client's concerns.The provider who is performing the cardiac catheterization is legally responsible for explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the procedure. If the client expresses concerns or appears to lack understanding just before the procedure, the nurse should notify the provider so they can further explain the risks and clarify any questions.

C. Explain the risks of the procedure to the client.While the nurse can offer general information about the procedure, only the provider who is performing the procedure should explain the specific risks associated with it.

D. Check to see if the medical record indicates the provider explained the procedure to the client. Even if documentation indicates that the provider previously explained the procedure, the client still has the right to have their concerns addressed by the provider just before the procedure.

Choice A Reason:
Reinforcing dietary teaching with a client who has heart disease is incorrect. Dietary teaching typically requires a higher level of assessment and critical thinking, often involving interpretation of lab values, medication interactions, and individualized dietary plans. This task is best suited for a Registered Nurse (RN).
Choice B Reason:
Providing postmortem care for a client who has just died is incorrect. Providing postmortem care involves emotional support, respect for the deceased, and proper handling of the body. This task is within the scope of practice for an RN and may also involve collaboration with other healthcare team members.
Choice C Reason:
Accompanying a client who just had a wound debridement to physical therapy is incorrect. Accompanying a client to physical therapy may involve monitoring the client's condition, providing assistance during the transfer, and communicating with the physical therapist about the client's status. This task typically requires an RN or may be appropriate for an assistive personnel under RN supervision.
Choice D Reason:
Obtaining a urine specimen from an older adult client is correct. Obtaining a urine specimen is a task that falls within the scope of practice for an LPN. It involves performing a routine procedure that requires technical skills but does not involve complex assessment or critical thinking beyond following established protocols.