A client in a rehabilitation facility tells the practical nurse (PN) that they are packing their bags and leaving immediately, despite not being medically discharged. Arrange the following actions the PN should take in the correct priority order, from first to last.
- 1Explore the client's specific reasons for wanting to leave the facility.
- 2Notify the supervising registered nurse (RN) and the healthcare provider of the situation.
- 3Reinforce the provider's explanation regarding the potential health risks of leaving early.
- 4Request the client to sign the facility's Against Medical Advice (AMA) form.
- 5Document the exact events, client statements, and departure details in the medical record.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first listen to the client's concerns, then notify the supervising RN and provider, reinforce the risks of leaving, request a signature on the AMA form, and finally document the event.
When a client decides to leave against medical advice, the practical nurse's first priority is to advocate for the client by exploring their concerns. If the client insists on leaving, the PN must utilize the chain of command by notifying the RN and provider so the medical risks can be officially explained. The PN then reinforces this education, asks the client to sign the AMA form to legally acknowledge the risks, and completes thorough, objective documentation of the entire departure process.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Client Rights and Advocacy