Author Question: An 81-year-old female client has presented to the emergency department accompanied by her daughter ... (Read 223 times)

acc299 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An 81-year-old female client has presented to the emergency department accompanied by her daughter with whom she lives. The daughter states that her mother has experienced a recent series of falls, which have resulted in her facial and arm bruises.

The client smells of urine and is noticeably emaciated, unkempt, and is anxious while the daughter berates her during the nurse's assessment. What is the nurse's responsibility in this situation? A) Determine the daughter's legal status with regard to her mother's financial affairs.
B) Report suspected elder abuse to the Adult Protective Services Department.
C) Establish whether the client has a durable power of attorney in place.
D) Obtain medical records regarding prior admissions for similar problems.

Question 2

Nurse R works on the geriatric medicine unit of the university hospital and provides care for numerous older adult clients nearing the end of life, many of whom have Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.

Which of the following situations is incompatible with the legal requirements for a DNR order? A) A client who is mentally competent has declared his wish to have a DNR order despite the availability of treatment options for his condition.
B) A client has expressed her desire to have a DNR order but her daughter is adamantly opposed to it.
C) A client clearly told the nurse her desire to have a DNR order, which the nurse documented and noted at the bedside.
D) A client has been in a coma and the family has decided to put in place a DNR order.

BUTTHOL369 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
In cases of suspected elder abuse, the nurse is responsible for reporting his or her suspicions to the relevant authorities. Neither the legal status of the mother and daughter's relationship nor past medical records are primary concerns.

Answer to Question 2

C
Feedback:
DNR orders require a written and signed order on the part of the physician. The possibility of positive health outcomes and opposition by family do not negate the wishes of a competent client, and incompetent clients may have the decision made by family.