A nurse is caring for a client who has gone into cardiac arrest.
The client's chart indicates refusal of life-sustaining measures in a living will signed 10 years ago, but a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) prescription has not been written by the provider.
Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?
Consult with the client's family regarding resuscitation efforts.
Comply with the living will and let the client expire naturally.
Call a code because a DNR prescription has not been written.
Contact the provider for instructions regarding a DNR.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Consulting with the client’s family would delay critical actions in an emergency. Additionally, family members cannot override the legal documentation of the client's wishes, such as a living will. Ethical guidelines prioritize the client's autonomy, but without a written DNR, the nurse should prioritize immediate life-saving efforts.
Choice B rationale
A living will outlines patient preferences, but it is not legally enforceable without a corresponding provider’s order. Complying with it without a written DNR could violate legal and professional standards. The nurse must initiate life-saving actions unless explicitly instructed otherwise by the provider.
Choice C rationale
Without a written DNR, the nurse must take measures to preserve life as per standard resuscitation guidelines. Legal protection applies to actions taken during a cardiac arrest to avoid negligence. This ensures that the client receives immediate care until proper clarification is made.
Choice D rationale
Contacting the provider during a cardiac arrest introduces a delay, increasing the risk of irreversible damage or death. While it is essential to clarify orders, emergency protocol dictates acting promptly to save the client’s life in the absence of clear documentation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Autonomy refers to the client’s right to make informed decisions about their care and treatment without external coercion. Acknowledging the client’s decision to discontinue treatment supports this principle, promoting respect for individual rights and preferences.
Choice B rationale
Fidelity involves maintaining trust and honoring commitments, such as upholding professional promises to deliver care. While important, it does not directly address the client’s right to refuse treatment in this scenario.
Choice C rationale
Justice pertains to fairness and equitable distribution of resources and care. This principle focuses on broader societal and ethical considerations rather than the individual’s decision-making rights.
Choice D rationale
Beneficence is the principle of acting in the best interest of the client, promoting their well-being. While relevant, it does not specifically address respecting the client’s right to refuse treatment.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Teaching prescribed medications focuses on education rather than advocacy. Advocacy specifically involves representing or supporting the client’s unique needs and rights. While medication education is a valuable nursing function, it does not encompass the broader scope of advocacy that emphasizes active representation and championing of a client’s priorities.
Choice B rationale
Collaboration with team members highlights teamwork, which is essential but distinct from advocacy. Advocacy involves a nurse acting as an intermediary between the client and healthcare system, prioritizing the client’s voice. Collaboration, although beneficial for client outcomes, lacks the personalized focus inherent to advocacy.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the expression of feelings is integral to emotional support and therapeutic communication but does not inherently constitute advocacy. Advocacy goes beyond emotional expression by actively ensuring that the client’s needs and preferences are addressed within the healthcare framework.
Choice D rationale
Advocacy involves actively supporting the client’s needs, which aligns with the concept of representing their best interests. It ensures their priorities and rights are addressed, particularly in situations where the client may feel vulnerable or unheard, making it the core aspect of advocacy.
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