A home health client has terminal cancer and has signed a DNR (do not

A home health client has terminal cancer and has signed a DNR (do not resuscitate) order. The client has a respiratory arrest during one of the home health nurse’s visits. The client’s spouse tells the nurse to call 911. The nurse should:

1. Ignore the spouse.
2. Call 911.
3. Start CPR.
4. Remind the spouse of the client’s desires.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: In the event of conflict between the client’s desires and the family’s wishes, the nurse, being the client’s primary advocate, ensures that the client’s rights and desires are upheld. This is a difficult situation, but the nurse is bound to the client’s desires.