Question

The husband of a client with advanced ovarian cancer wants his wife to have every treatment available. When the husband leaves, the client tells the nurse that she has had enough chemotherapy and wants to stop all treatments but knows her husband will sign the consent form for more treatment. The nurse's response should include which information?

a) The husband cannot sign the consent for the client, her signature is required.
b) The client's specific wishes should be discussed with her healthcare provider.
c) The healthcare team will formulate a plan of care to keep the client comfortable.

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the client to discuss her wishes with her healthcare provider and ensure that her desires are heard and respected. The healthcare team will work to keep the client comfortable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should inform the client that her specific wishes should be discussed with her healthcare provider. The principle of autonomy states that patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, including the decision to stop treatment. It is important for the client to have an open and honest conversation with her healthcare provider to express her desires and concerns. The healthcare team will then formulate a plan of care to keep the client comfortable, which may include palliative or supportive care.