Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is the first action a nurse should take when a family requests hospice care for a resident who cannot perform self-care?

1. Initiate hospice care immediately

2. Document the request in the chart

3. Notify the healthcare provider of the family's request

4. Consult with the social worker

The correct answer is: Notify the healthcare provider of the family's request

When a family requests hospice care for a resident who cannot perform self-care, the first action a nurse should take is to notify the healthcare provider of the family's request. This step is crucial as hospice care involves a team approach and requires a physician's order based on the patient's condition and eligibility for hospice services. The healthcare provider needs to evaluate the patient's status and confirm that they meet the criteria for hospice care, which is typically provided for individuals with a terminal illness with a life expectancy of six months or less. This ensures that the request is valid and that the appropriate services can be initiated based on a comprehensive assessment by the healthcare team. While documenting the request in the chart is certainly important for maintaining accurate records, it should follow after ensuring that the healthcare provider is aware and has had the opportunity to respond to the family's wishes. Initiating hospice care immediately would be premature without the necessary orders from the healthcare provider, and consulting with the social worker can be beneficial but typically happens after the healthcare provider has been informed and has facilitated the process. Therefore, notifying the healthcare provider is the critical first step in addressing the family's request for hospice care.