A client with terminal cancer has signed an advance directive indicating that no parenteral nutrition or hydration will be implemented.For several days the client has refused food and fluids,pushing the caregiver's hands away when attempts are made to feed the client or offer any kind of fluid.The family is considering placing a gastrostomy tube because they feel the client is "starving to death." Which actions by the nurse are appropriate? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) A nurse is morally obligated to honor the refusal of food and fluids by a competent client who has signed an advance directive. This position is supported by the ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses, through the nurse's role as a client advocate and through the moral principle of autonomy. Clients, not their families, should make decisions about their own health care and treatment. The physician may or may not be involved, but would not disregard the client's refusal. An ethics committee is usually considered when there is an ethical dilemma, and more input is needed to make a decision.
B) A nurse is morally obligated to honor the refusal of food and fluids by a competent client who has signed an advance directive. This position is supported by the ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses, through the nurse's role as a client advocate and through the moral principle of autonomy. Clients, not their families, should make decisions about their own health care and treatment. The physician may or may not be involved, but would not disregard the client's refusal. An ethics committee is usually considered when there is an ethical dilemma, and more input is needed to make a decision.
C) A nurse is morally obligated to honor the refusal of food and fluids by a competent client who has signed an advance directive. This position is supported by the ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses, through the nurse's role as a client advocate and through the moral principle of autonomy. Clients, not their families, should make decisions about their own health care and treatment. The physician may or may not be involved, but would not disregard the client's refusal. An ethics committee is usually considered when there is an ethical dilemma, and more input is needed to make a decision.
D) A nurse is morally obligated to honor the refusal of food and fluids by a competent client who has signed an advance directive. This position is supported by the ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses, through the nurse's role as a client advocate and through the moral principle of autonomy. Clients, not their families, should make decisions about their own health care and treatment. The physician may or may not be involved, but would not disregard the client's refusal. An ethics committee is usually considered when there is an ethical dilemma, and more input is needed to make a decision.
E) A nurse is morally obligated to honor the refusal of food and fluids by a competent client who has signed an advance directive. This position is supported by the ANA's Code of Ethics for Nurses, through the nurse's role as a client advocate and through the moral principle of autonomy. Clients, not their families, should make decisions about their own health care and treatment. The physician may or may not be involved, but would not disregard the client's refusal. An ethics committee is usually considered when there is an ethical dilemma, and more input is needed to make a decision.

A Client with Terminal Cancer Has Signed an Advance Directive