An intensive care nurse discusses withdrawal of care with a client's family. The family expresses concerns related to discontinuation of therapy. How should the nurse respond?
a. "I understand your concerns, but in this state, discontinuation of care is not a form of active euthanasia."
b. "You will need to talk to the provider because I am not legally allowed to participate in the withdrawal of life support."
c. "I realize this is a difficult decision. Discontinuation of therapy will allow the client to die a natural death."
d. "There is no need to worry. Most religious organizations support the client's decision to stop medical treatment."
ANS: C
The nurse should validate the family's concerns and provide accurate information about the discontinuation of therapy. The other statements address specific issues related to the withdrawal of care but do not provide appropriate information about their purpose. If the client's family asks for specific information about euthanasia, legal, or religious issues, the nurse should provide unbiased information about these topics.
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