Question

The nurse is caring for the client who has been in a coma for 2 months. He has signed a donor card, but the wife is opposed to the idea of organ donation. How should the nurse handle the topic of organ donation with the wife? A. Contact organ retrieval to come talk to the wife B. Tell her that because her husband signed a donor card, the hospital has the right to take the organs upon the death of her husband C. Drop the subject until a later time D. Refrain from talking about the subject until after the death of her husband

Short answer

Answer: C. Drop the subject until a later time.

Step-by-step solution

Read and understand the options

Carefully read and analyze each option. It's essential to understand what each option entails and what possible consequences it could have on the patient's wife and the situation. - Option A suggests involving an organ retrieval organization to talk to the wife. - Option B suggests informing the wife that the hospital has the right to take the organs upon her husband's death. - Option C suggests waiting for a better time to discuss the topic of organ donation. - Option D suggests waiting until after the husband's death to discuss the matter.

Evaluate the options

Assess each option with respect to the sensitivity of the situation and the feelings of the wife. Consider the possible outcomes, and try to determine the most empathetic and appropriate approach. - Option A might give the impression that the hospital is trying to persuade the wife to consent to organ donation, which could upset her in an already distressing situation. - Option B might sound insensitive and forceful, potentially harming the relationship between the patient's wife and the healthcare team. - Option C involves waiting for an appropriate time to discuss the topic, showing respect for the wife's feelings and allowing her more space. - Option D, waiting until after the husband's death, could be too late, as the organs might no longer be viable for donation.

Choose the best solution

Taking all possible outcomes into account, Option C appears to be the most appropriate approach. It shows empathy and respect for the wife's feelings while acknowledging that the topic is vital to address. Dropping the subject for the moment allows the wife some space, and the nurse can seek the right time to discuss it with her. So the correct answer is: C. Drop the subject until a later time.