A 74-year-old client with advanced dementia is hospitalized for aggressive behavior and medication noncompliance. The psychiatric team determines the client lacks decision-making capacity. The client's adult son presents a court order granting him full legal guardianship. During discharge planning, the client refuses to go to the recommended memory care facility and insists on returning home alone. Which of the following best reflects the nurse's legal and ethical responsibility in this situation?

Rationale: A. When a court has legally declared a person incompetent and appointed a legal guardian, the guardian has the authority to make decisions on the client’s behalf, including discharge planning. The nurse must honor the legal decision of the guardian, even if the client refuses. B. Delaying discharge for agreement from a client who has been legally deemed unable to consent is not appropriate or legally required. C. Compromising with an incompetent client may undermine the guardian’s legal authority and could put the client at risk. D. While respecting autonomy is important, incompetent clients do not retain full decision-making rights, and safety and legal guidance must take precedence.