A cognitively intact long-term care resident asks for assistance getting dressed. Shortly thereafter a taxi driver comes to pick up the resident. What action should the nurse take?

A cognitively intact long-term care resident asks for assistance getting dressed. Shortly thereafter a taxi driver comes to pick up the resident. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Send the driver away since the resident is not permitted to leave the facility
• B. Obtain the name, license #, and telephone # of the taxi service
• C. Locate the resident for the taxi driver
• D. Ask the resident to sign an "AMA" form before leaving

Answer: (C)

The key idea is ensuring a safe, supervised handoff when a resident leaves the facility. Even though the resident is cognitively intact and requesting assistance, the nurse should locate the resident to bring them to meet the taxi driver. This confirms the resident who is leaving, prevents mistaken identity or elopement, and allows a quick check of destination and arrangements before departure. It respects the resident’s autonomy while prioritizing safety. Sending the driver away without verification undermines safety and autonomy. Merely obtaining taxi service information isn’t enough at the moment of departure. Asking for an AMA form isn’t appropriate here since there’s no indication of the resident refusing medical care.

The key idea is ensuring a safe, supervised handoff when a resident leaves the facility. Even though the resident is cognitively intact and requesting assistance, the nurse should locate the resident to bring them to meet the taxi driver. This confirms the resident who is leaving, prevents mistaken identity or elopement, and allows a quick check of destination and arrangements before departure. It respects the resident’s autonomy while prioritizing safety.

Sending the driver away without verification undermines safety and autonomy. Merely obtaining taxi service information isn’t enough at the moment of departure. Asking for an AMA form isn’t appropriate here since there’s no indication of the resident refusing medical care.