How should a nurse document a client’s advance directives regarding dialysis?

Documenting a client’s advance directives regarding dialysis is crucial for ensuring that the client's preferences for care are respected and followed. When a nurse records in the medical record that advance directives are in place, it provides clear, accessible information for all healthcare providers involved in the client's care. This documentation helps to facilitate adherence to the client’s wishes concerning treatment options and is essential for promoting patient autonomy.

By clearly recording that advance directives exist, healthcare professionals can reference this documentation during decision-making processes—especially in critical situations where the client may be unable to communicate their wishes. This practice minimizes confusion and potential conflict regarding the client's treatment preferences and ensures continuity of care.

In contrast, other actions such as verifying with the hospital's policy manual or discussing with the client’s family do not directly provide the necessary documentation in the medical record. Simply stating there are no advance directives would fail to respect and document the client's choices if any exist, and discussing with family may lead to misinterpretations of the client's preferences without official documentation present. Therefore, accurately recording the existence of advance directives in the medical record is the most appropriate and effective action.