A male client in the final stages of terminal cancer tells his nurse that he wishes he could just be allowed to die. The client verbalizes that he is tired of fighting this illness and is only continuing treatments because his family wants him to live. Which action should the nurse take?

A. Ask the chaplain to discuss death issues with the client: While spiritual support may be helpful, this does not address the client’s expressed conflict about continuing treatment to satisfy his family’s wishes. B. Notify the family that treatments have been discontinued: The nurse cannot make the decision to discontinue treatments without the client’s and healthcare provider’s input. This would be outside the nurse’s scope of authority. C. Request a consultation with the hospital social worker: Although a social worker can help with emotional support and end-of-life planning, the immediate concern is facilitating open communication between the client, family, and healthcare team about the client’s wishes. D. Arrange a meeting with the family, healthcare provider, and client: This action supports the client’s autonomy and ensures his wishes are heard. It also promotes collaborative decision-making about continuing or stopping treatment, aligning care with the client’s goals and values.