A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for acute opioid toxicity. The client has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription, but the family would like to remove it. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. "The care team will discuss how to change the DNR prescription.": While discussions about code status may occur, the care team cannot override the client’s documented wishes. Focusing on changing the DNR for the family disregards the ethical and legal principle of patient autonomy. B. "I will ask the client's provider to change the prescription.": The provider cannot unilaterally change a DNR order without the client’s consent. Doing so would violate the client’s legal rights and established advance directive. C. "A family member can change a DNR prescription once it has been signed.": Only the client has the authority to modify or revoke a DNR unless the client is incapacitated and has legally designated a healthcare proxy. Family members do not have the right to override the client’s documented wishes arbitrarily. D. "These are the client's wishes, and we must respect them.": The nurse’s response acknowledges the ethical and legal obligation to honor the client’s autonomy. DNR orders reflect the client’s informed decisions about life-sustaining treatments, which must be respected even if family members disagree.