A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the purpose of a living will. Which of the following information about living wills should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because the Good Samaritan Act is a law that protects health care providers and other individuals from legal liability when they provide emergency care to someone who is injured or ill outside of a health care facility. The act does not apply to the staff in the emergency department, who are expected to follow the standards of care and obtain consent for treatment.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because implied consent is a type of consent that is assumed when a client is unable to give verbal or written consent due to their condition, and the treatment is necessary to save their life or prevent further harm. The staff can proceed with emergency surgery based on implied consent, as the client is unconscious and has extensive internal injuries that require immediate intervention.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because a living will is a document that expresses a client's wishes regarding their end-of-life care, such as whether they want to receive life-sustaining treatments or not. A living will does not apply to the client in this scenario, who is not terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state, and who may recover from their injuries with surgery.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because nonmaleficence is an ethical principle that means to do no harm or prevent harm to the client. Nonmaleficence does not permit the staff to proceed with emergency surgery, as it does not override the need for consent. The staff should also consider the principle of beneficence, which means to do good or promote the well-being of the client.

Choice A reason: This is the correct choice because autonomy is the ethical principle that respects the client's right to make their own decisions about their health care. The nurse should honor the client's wishes and preferences, even if they differ from the nurse's or the provider's. The nurse should not force or coerce the client to accept blood transfusions, as this would violate their autonomy.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because fidelity is the ethical principle that requires the nurse to be faithful and loyal to the client and their agreement. The nurse should keep their promises and commitments, and act in the best interest of the client. The nurse should not administer blood transfusions to the client without their consent, as this would breach their trust and fidelity.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because justice is the ethical principle that ensures fair and equal treatment for all clients. The nurse should distribute resources and services according to the client's needs and rights, and avoid any discrimination or bias. The nurse should not administer blood transfusions to the client against their will, as this would disregard their justice.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because veracity is the ethical principle that obliges the nurse to be honest and truthful with the client. The nurse should provide accurate and complete information, and disclose any errors or risks. The nurse should not administer blood transfusions to the client without informing them, as this would violate their veracity.