The nurse is assigned to a client who was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. During morning care, the client asks about organ donation. How should the nurse respond?

Question

a. Have the client first discuss the subject with the family.
b. Suggest the client delay making a decision at this time.
c. Assist the client to obtain the necessary information to make this decision.
d. Contact the physician so consent can be obtained from the family.

Answer 1

C
No topic that a dying client wishes to discuss should be avoided. The nurse should respond to questions openly and honestly. As client advocate, the nurse should assist the client to obtain the necessary information to make this decision.
The nurse should provide the client with information with which to make such a decision. Alt-hough the nurse may suggest that the client discuss the subject with the family after having ob-tained information, it is up to the client to discuss the subject with his family.
The nurse should respect the client and provide the necessary information for him or her to make a decision, rather than dismissing the client's question.
It is not necessary to contact the physician or the family for consent for organ donation if the client is capable of making this decision.