A client who has heart failure is asking about end of life. The priority for the nurse's discussion with the client is to:
1. Be as honest as possible about the progression of the disease and the support needed.
2. Tell the client that nursing staff might be available if needed, but that family will need to help provide client support.
3. Have the health care provider discuss end-of-life topics with the client.
4. Reassure the client that the chances for survival are good.
Be as honest as possible about the progression of the disease and the support needed.
Rationale: The heart failure client who is nearing the end of life will need honest discussions regarding the progression of the disease and the support needed and available. Telling the client that nursing staff might be available, but family will need to provide support is not completely honest and likely is not helpful. The health care provider will be involved in end-of-life discussions, but the nurse as a client advocate can certainly discuss the end-of-life options with the client. Reassuring the client of survival is not honest, especially given that the survival rate for heart failure clients is not good.
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