When dealing with a terminally ill client, what should the nurse do regarding the client's legal representative?

In the context of caring for a terminally ill client, it is crucial for the nurse to engage with the individual’s legal representative to ensure that any medical decisions align with the client's wishes and legal rights. When dealing with decisions related to end-of-life care or interventions, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the client's autonomy and preferences are respected.

Seeking guidance specifically from the client's legal representative—commonly a spouse, adult child, or someone identified by the client—creates a direct line of communication regarding the client’s health care decisions. The sister mentioned may not have the legal standing or authority to make decisions unless designated by the client, which highlights the importance of confirming who the legal representative is.

Asking the spouse about the client’s wishes acknowledges the spouse’s possible role as the individual who may be legally recognized to make decisions on behalf of the client. This method is appropriate because spouses often have direct knowledge of the client's preferences and are typically involved in decision-making during such critical times. Focusing on this individual enables the nurse to facilitate discussions around care that reflect the client's values and choices.

Engaging the sister or any other family member who may not have been legally designated creates ambiguity and could potentially lead to conflicts or decisions that do not