An alert and oriented client with a terminal illness is admitted to an inpatient palliative care unit and has a 'Do Not Resuscitate' (DNR) order on file. Which actions by the assigned practical nurse (PN) demonstrate appropriate advocacy and adherence to client rights? Select all that apply.
- Asking the client if they would like to discuss end-of-life preferences with the interdisciplinary care teamAnswer
- Refusing a telephone request from a neighbor asking to confirm the client's admission to the unitAnswer
- CExplaining the specific surgical risks of a palliative procedure to the client prior to witnessing the consent signature
- DAdministering a mild sedative to the client after they become tearful and refuse their scheduled morning treatments
- Documenting the client's explicit refusal of a prescribed routine medication in the electronic health recordAnswer
- FDiscussing the client's recent diagnostic test results with an adult child who is visiting but not listed as a designated health care surrogate
Answer
The correct actions include asking the client about discussing end-of-life preferences, refusing to confirm the client's admission to a neighbor, and documenting the client's refusal of routine medication.
Appropriate advocacy and adherence to client rights involve protecting client privacy from unauthorized inquiries, respecting their autonomy to refuse prescribed treatments, and facilitating communication with the broader care team regarding their end-of-life preferences.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Client Rights and Advocacy