When educating a client with a terminal illness about declining resuscitation in a living will, what should the nurse say if the client has difficulty breathing upon arrival at the emergency department?

When a client with a terminal illness experiences difficulty breathing upon arrival at the emergency department, providing oxygen through a nasal cannula, which delivers supplemental oxygen through a tube in the nose, is a common and immediate intervention. This approach can help alleviate the client's respiratory distress and improve oxygenation, supporting the patient's comfort and quality of life.

This action aligns with standard medical practice where comfort measures, including supplemental oxygen, are often prioritized. Administering oxygen does not inherently contradict any previously expressed wishes in a living will regarding resuscitation or advanced care directives. It is a supportive measure aimed at alleviating immediate symptoms, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate the patient's condition more effectively without imposing more invasive life-prolonging measures unless the patient indicates otherwise.

In contrast, other options either misinterpret the patient's situation or imply a misunderstanding of the living will's intent. Consulting a health care proxy or discussing previous wishes can be relevant but may not address the immediate need for symptom relief. Inserting a breathing tube would typically be a more invasive procedure and would not be the first step taken when easier, less invasive options, like supplemental oxygen, are available.