The nurse is caring for a client who is critically ill and provides the nurse with an advance directive specifying a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. The client's children arrive at the bedside and report that they oppose this type of order. The nurse should take which appropriate action?
The nurse is caring for a client who is critically ill and provides the nurse with an advance directive specifying a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. The client's children arrive at the bedside and report that they oppose this type of order. The nurse should take which appropriate action?
A. Attach the advance directive to the client's medical record.
[77%]
B. Document the wishes of the client's adult children.
[11%]
C. Ask the client's family how they would want to change the document.
[7%]
D. Void the client's advance directives at the request of their children.
[4%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Advance Directives
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice A is correct. The nurse's responsible for supporting the client's right to autonomy and self-determination, as shown in their advanced directive. A legally binding advanced directive should be included in the medical record and followed unless the physician overrides the client's wishes or a court order is obtained, voiding the document.
Choice B is incorrect. While documentation of the family's objections and wishes may be done, it is generally unnecessary for the nurse to include that in the nursing notes. The client's right to autonomy should be respected.
Choice C is incorrect. Asking the family how they would want the document to be amended is not necessary and would further undermine the client's self-determination. The client's children may be having a hard time coping with their loved ones illness.
Choice D is incorrect. Voiding the advance directive is not within the nurses scope of practice. This is because it legally and ethically undermines the client's self-determination.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Advanced Directives & Living Wills
15.11 Legal & Ethical Decision-Making Tools
Additional Info
✓ An advance directive is a document developed by clients instructing others to do tasks before, during, and after their death.
✓ At a minimum, an advance directive includes a statement of a client's wishes if a respiratory or cardiac arrest occurs and a copy of the client's durable power of attorney for health care (DPAHC).
✓ Any changes to advance directives must be done in writing by the original author/person.
