An elderly male patient in his early 70s is admitted to the emergency department due to a COPD exacerbation.
The patient is having difficulty breathing and the healthcare team is preparing for endotracheal intubation.
The patient’s wife, who is 30 years younger, asks the nurse to halt the procedure and presents the nurse with a copy of the patient’s living will.
What should the nurse’s next step be?

Choice A rationale

While placing a certified copy of the living will in the patient’s record is important, it is not the immediate next step. The living will should be acknowledged, but the healthcare provider needs to be informed immediately.

Choice B rationale

Informing the healthcare provider of the patient’s wishes is the most appropriate next step. The healthcare provider can then make decisions based on the patient’s expressed wishes.

Choice C rationale

Arranging a family meeting with the palliative care team may be beneficial, but it is not the immediate next step. The healthcare provider needs to be informed first.

Choice D rationale

Notifying the nursing staff of the patient’s do not resuscitate status is important, but it is not the immediate next step. The healthcare provider needs to be informed first.