66.A 75-year-old client who has a history of end stage renal failure
and advanced lung cancer, recently had a stroke. Two days ago the
healthcare provider discontinued the client's dialysis treatments,
stating that death is inevitable, but the client is disoriented and will not
sign a DNR directive. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Review the client's most recent laboratory reports.
B. Refer the client and family members for hospice care.
C. Notify the hospital ethics committee of the client situation.
D. Determine who is legally empowered to make decisions.
When death is impending, it is essential for the nurse to determine
who is legally empowered to make decisions regarding the use of life-
saving measures for the client (D). (A) will be abnormal and will
worsen without dialysis, so are not of immediate concern. (B) may help
improve the client's quality of life prior to death, but is of less
and advanced lung cancer, recently had a stroke. Two days ago the
healthcare provider discontinued the client's dialysis treatments,
stating that death is inevitable, but the client is disoriented and will not
sign a DNR directive. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Review the client's most recent laboratory reports.
B. Refer the client and family members for hospice care.
C. Notify the hospital ethics committee of the client situation.
D. Determine who is legally empowered to make decisions.
When death is impending, it is essential for the nurse to determine
who is legally empowered to make decisions regarding the use of life-
saving measures for the client (D). (A) will be abnormal and will
worsen without dialysis, so are not of immediate concern. (B) may help
improve the client's quality of life prior to death, but is of less
