A 45-year-old client admitted with pneumonia suddenly removes their intravenous (IV) line and states, 'I am leaving this hospital right now. Nobody is helping me.' Arrange the following nursing actions in the correct order of priority from first to last.
- 1Assess the client's reasons for wanting to leave and attempt to address their concerns.
- 2Notify the healthcare provider of the client's intent to leave against medical advice.
- 3Explain the potential health risks and consequences of leaving without completing treatment.
- 4Ask the client to sign the Against Medical Advice (AMA) release form.
- 5Document the client's statements, the education provided, and the client's departure in the medical record.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first assess the client's concerns, then notify the healthcare provider, explain the risks of leaving, ask the client to sign the AMA form, and finally document the event.
When managing a client who wishes to leave Against Medical Advice (AMA), the nurse must follow a logical sequence that prioritizes client care, communication, informed refusal, and legal documentation. The priority is always to assess the client's underlying concerns first to see if the issue can be resolved. If the client insists on leaving, the healthcare provider must be notified immediately. Next, the client must be informed of the risks associated with refusing treatment to ensure their decision is informed. After explaining the risks, the nurse asks the client to sign the AMA form for legal protection. Finally, the nurse must meticulously document the entire sequence of events in the client's medical record.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Against Medical Advice (AMA) Protocol and Client Rights
Estimated Time:1m 30s