A home health client has been prescribed nutritional supplements three

A home health client has been prescribed nutritional supplements three times a day.

The formula is expensive and the client tells the home health nurse that she is taking them three times a day, but diluting them so she can use only one can, not three, per day. As a client advocate, the nurse should:
1. Help the client look for available community resources that may be of assistance.
2. Tell the client that she needs to take the prescribed amount.
3. Report the situation to the physician.
4. Weigh the client on a weekly basis to monitor weight gain or loss.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Resource allocation and financial considerations are major issues in home health care. When clients are in their own home, they operate from their own values and client autonomy must be respected. Community resources may be of benefit for this client to be able to afford the proper supplement at the correct dose or to provide assistance in other financial areas so the client has the treatment needs met.
Rationale 2: The client already knows she should take the prescribed amount.
Rationale 3: Telling the physician will not help to solve the situation.
Rationale 4: Weighing the client merely assesses the need, which has already been established.