A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is terminally ill. The client confides in the nurse that they have been stockpiling medication with the intent to end their life because they do not want to burden their family. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
Notify the healthcare provider and the interdisciplinary team to address the client's safety and psychological needs.
Consider keeping the conversation confidential to respect the client’s trust.
Encourage the client to discuss their feelings with their family to provide support and alleviate distress.
Respect the client's autonomy by acknowledging their decision and offering emotional support during the conversation.
The correct action involves notifying the healthcare provider and interdisciplinary team. This ensures that proper interventions, such as mental health or palliative support, can be initiated for the client. While advocating for autonomy is critical in nursing, respecting autonomy does not permit inaction when a client expresses intentions of self-harm. Encouraging family involvement without addressing the immediate concern could delay necessary professional support, and maintaining confidentiality in this scenario is inappropriate as it conflicts with the nurse’s duty to prevent harm.
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