Question

Client with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is refusing all treatment and requests that no life saving measures be implemented. The health care provider refuses to write do not resuscitate instructions. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Initiate a review of the situation by the hospital's ethics committee
b. Remind the client that new treatments are being developed daily
c. Facilitate a palliative care meeting with the client and health care provider
d. Provide the health care provider with a copy of the clients Bill of Rights

Answer 1

The nurse should provide the healthcare provider with a copy of the client's Bill of Rights to support the patient's wish for a DNR and advocate for their right to make end-of-life decisions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is refusing all treatment and requests that no life-saving measures such as do not resuscitate (DNR) instructions be implemented, and the healthcare provider rejects this request, the nurse has the ethical obligation to advocate for the patient's wishes.

One action the nurse should take is to provide the healthcare provider with a copy of the client's Bill of Rights. This would reinforce the patient's right to make decisions about their own care and respect their wishes for end-of-life treatment. Ensuring that the healthcare provider understands the patient's desire for a DNR order is crucial in upholding the ethical principles of autonomy and informed consent.