Question

A nurse is reviewing a client's health care record and discovers that the client's DNR prescription has expired. The client's condition is not stable. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

a. assume that the client does not want to be resuscitated, and take no action if she experiences cardiac arrest
b. write a note on the front of the provider prescription sheet asking that the DNR be represcribed
c. anticipate that CPR will be instituted if the client goes into cardiopulmonary arrest
d. call the provider to determine whether the prescription should be immediately reinstated

Answer 1

The nurse should call the provider to determine whether the expired DNR prescription should be reinstated.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the nurse should take the action of calling the provider to determine whether the prescription should be immediately reinstated. Since the client's DNR prescription has expired and the client's condition is not stable, it is important to confirm the client's wishes regarding resuscitation. Assuming that the client does not want to be resuscitated without confirming could lead to potential complications and disregarding the client's current condition. By calling the provider, the nurse can seek guidance and ensure that the appropriate actions are taken based on the client's preferences.