Advance Directives Education And Verification - NCLEX Pn
- What is the legal and ethical basis for honoring advance directives?
- Patient autonomy and the right to refuse medical treatment. Ethical principles and laws protect self-determination, ensuring healthcare respects individual rights even when direct communication is impossible.
- What is the role of a durable power of attorney for health care (DPOA-HC)?
- Designates a surrogate to make health care decisions for the patient. The DPOA-HC appoints a trusted individual to advocate for the patient's best interests and make decisions aligned with known wishes when incapacity occurs.
- What does a DNR order direct the health care team to withhold?
- CPR in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. DNR specifies non-initiation of CPR to honor patient directives against aggressive interventions in cases of arrest, preventing unwanted prolongation of life.
- What is a living will intended to communicate about future medical care?
- Specific treatment preferences, often for end-of-life care. A living will details desired medical interventions or withholdings, particularly in terminal or irreversible conditions, to respect patient autonomy.
- Which action verifies that an advance directive is available for use during care?
- Confirm a copy is in the chart and accessible in the electronic record. Verification confirms the directive's availability for reference, facilitating adherence to patient preferences during treatment planning and emergencies.
- What two common documents are included under advance directives?
- Living will and durable power of attorney for health care (health care proxy). These documents legally outline treatment preferences and designate decision-makers to guide care when the patient is unable to do so.
- What is the nurse's responsibility regarding witnessing or notarization of directives?
- Follow state law and facility policy; do not act outside permitted roles. Nurses must comply with jurisdictional regulations to avoid invalidating documents or overstepping scope, ensuring legal validity of directives.