The nurse is assigned to a patient who was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. During morning care, the patient asks about organ donation. How should the nurse respond?
a. Have the patient first discuss the subject with the family.
b. Suggest that the patient delay making a decision at this time.
c. Assist the patient to obtain the necessary information to make this decision.
d. Contact the physician so that consent can be obtained from the family.
C
Feedback
A The nurse should provide the patient with information with which to make such a decision. Although the nurse may suggest that the patient discuss the subject with the family after having obtained information, it is up to the patient to discuss the subject with his or her family.
B The nurse should respect the patient and provide the necessary information for him or her to make a decision, rather than dismissing the patient's question.
C No topic that a dying patient wishes to discuss should be avoided. The nurse should respond to questions openly and honestly. As patient advocate, the nurse should assist the patient to obtain the necessary information to make this decision.
D It is not necessary to contact the physician or the family for consent for organ donation if the patient is capable of making this decision.
You might also like to view...
Which therapy could potentiate the effect of anticoagulants?
a. Vitamin K b. Thiazide diuretics c. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesics d. Vitamin C
During the assessment of a client's voice sounds, the nurse hears louder sounds over the client's right lower lobe. This finding would be consistent with:
1. Atelectasis. 2. Lobar pneumonia. 3. Asthma. 4. Pleural effusion.
A patient is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). What should the nurse identify as being the priority nursing activity for this patient?
1. Support the patient and family to meet physical and psychosocial needs. 2. Monitor for infection. 3. Assist the patient to avoid complications. 4. Assist the patient to adapt to the disease.
Which type of anemia is characterized by fatigue, weakness, and dyspnea, as well as conjunctiva of the eyes and brittle, concave nails?
a. Pernicious b. Iron deficiency c. Aplastic d. Hemolytic