A nurse is assisting with the care of a client.
Select the 4 responsibilities the nurse has in relation to the client's advance directives.
Initiate a power of attorney for health care document.
Provide the client with written information about advance directives.
Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client.
Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers.
Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report.
Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care.
Correct Answer : B,C,D,E
- Initiate a power of attorney for health care document: Nurses do not initiate or create legal documents like a power of attorney. The client must initiate this, often with legal assistance if needed.
- Provide the client with written information about advance directives: It is the nurse’s responsibility to ensure the client receives clear, written information about advance directives, including explanations of living wills, DNR orders, and medical power of attorney documents.
- Instruct the client that an advance directive is a legal document and must be honored by care providers: Nurses reinforce that advance directives are legally binding documents. They ensure the client's wishes are respected by the healthcare team throughout their care.
- Communicate advance directives status via the medical record and shift report: Once a client’s advance directive status is known, it must be accurately documented and communicated to all healthcare providers to ensure continuity and adherence to the client’s wishes.
- Document that the provider discussed do-not-resuscitate status with the client: Nurses are responsible for documenting that the conversation regarding DNR status occurred, including who had the conversation and the client's stated wishes, even though the actual discussion is led by the provider.
- Inform the client that an advance directive discontinues further care: Advance directives do not mean that all care is discontinued. Clients can still receive comfort, palliative, or supportive treatments based on their wishes outlined in the directive.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Remind the client that they have been refusing the medication for 5 days: Pointing out the duration of refusal may come across as confrontational and does not respect the client's right to refuse treatment. It can also damage the therapeutic relationship without addressing the underlying concerns about the medication.
B. Inform the client that their provider will contact them to discuss their refusal of the medication: While involving the provider may eventually be necessary, the immediate nursing action should be to document the refusal accurately. The nurse can then inform the provider if needed based on facility policy.
C. Document the client's refusal in the medication administration record: Clients have the legal right to refuse medication, and it is the nurse’s responsibility to document the refusal clearly and objectively. Accurate documentation ensures legal protection for the client and the healthcare team and maintains the integrity of the medical record.
D. Notify the pharmacy about the client's refusal of the medication: Notifying the pharmacy about a single medication refusal is unnecessary unless there are repeated refusals requiring a change in the medication order. The pharmacy’s role is not to manage client compliance but to dispense prescribed medications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Advance directives are the same as a consent form for health care treatment": Advance directives are different from a consent form. A consent form is specific to the current treatment or procedure, while advance directives outline future healthcare wishes in the event the client becomes unable to make decisions.
B. "Advance directives are for clients who have life-threatening conditions.": While advance directives are especially important for clients with serious illnesses, they are appropriate for all adults, regardless of current health status, to ensure their wishes are known and respected if they become incapacitated.
C. "Advance directives must be approved by your lawyer.": Advance directives do not require a lawyer's approval to be valid. They usually need to be signed by the client and witnessed or notarized, depending on state laws, but legal counsel is not mandatory for completing one.
D. "Advance directives protect your right to make your own health care decisions.": Advance directives ensure that a client’s wishes regarding healthcare are known and respected even if they cannot voice them later. They preserve the client’s autonomy and legal rights concerning treatment preferences.
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