A male client with a chronic medical condition tells the practical nurse (PN) that he wants no heroics to prolong his life if anything should happen to him. Which action should the PN take?

A. "Place a 'Do Not Resuscitate' sign outside the client's door and at the bedside." A DNR order must be written by the healthcare provider and documented in the medical record. A sign alone is not sufficient to ensure the client’s wishes are followed. B. "Reassure the client that life-saving measures will not be taken without consent." While reassuring the client is important, the client’s wishes must be documented formally through an advance directive, which is legally binding and ensures that medical staff are aware of and follow the client’s instructions. C. "Complete an advance directive form and place it in the medical record." While completing an advance directive is important, the first priority is notifying the healthcare provider so that the client’s wishes can be documented and the proper legal forms can be completed. D. "Notify the client's healthcare provider of the client's wishes as soon as possible." The nurse should immediately notify the healthcare provider of the client’s wishes. The healthcare provider can then initiate the appropriate legal documentation, such as a DNR order or an advance directive, ensuring the client’s wishes are respected in the future. This is the first step in ensuring that the client’s preferences are followed.