What is the most appropriate method for the nurse to communicate a cli

What is the most appropriate method for the nurse to communicate a client’s wishes to the nurses on the next shift?

1. Document the request in the nursing notes.
2. Include the client’s request in the shift report.
3. Place instructions regarding the client’s wishes above the client’s bed.
4. Verbally inform the unit clerk of the client’s request.

ANSWER

ANS: 2
In the acute care setting, the change-of-shift report is the way for nurses from one shift to com-municate information to nurses on the next shift Documenting the request in the nursing notes is not appropriate for inclusion in the nursing notes because it does not reflect information re-garding the client’s condition, response to treatment, or current health status. Placing the instruc-tions regarding the client’s wishes above the bed is not appropriate because there is no guarantee that staff will see the posting, but more importantly there are confidentiality issues being ignored. While verbally informing the unit clerk of the client’s request may result in the client’s wishes being respected, it is not the most effective option.