What action should a nurse take for a comatose client with advance directives against life-sustaining measures?

The most appropriate action for a nurse to take in this scenario is to arrange for an ethics committee meeting. When a client is in a comatose state and has advance directives that explicitly refuse life-sustaining measures, it is important to uphold the client’s autonomy and previously expressed wishes. Arranging for an ethics committee meeting can help provide a thorough review of the situation, ensuring that all ethical considerations are addressed, and that the client's rights and preferences are prioritized in the decision-making process.

This step is crucial because it involves a multidisciplinary approach where various healthcare professionals can weigh in on the ethical implications of the advance directives and the client's current condition. It can also facilitate communication between all parties involved, including the healthcare team and the family, to ensure that the directives are interpreted and followed appropriately.

While contacting the healthcare provider for clarification may be necessary in some cases, it does not directly address the need for an ethical framework to guide the decision-making process. Notifying the family is important but should follow ensuring that the intended care aligns with the client's wishes, hence why it may not be the first step taken. Likewise, beginning resuscitation efforts immediately goes against the client's advance directives and ethical guidelines, making it an inappropriate action in this situation.