A registered nurse in the United States is caring for a patient with a valid advance directive refusing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The patient's family demands resuscitation if the patient arrests. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: A. Follow the valid directive and notify the provider

  • A. Follow the valid directive and notify the provider
  • B. Follow the family's request because they are next of kin
  • C. Ask the family to sign a temporary treatment agreement
  • D. Begin resuscitation until the directive is reviewed later

Explanation

A valid advance directive represents the patient's legally expressed treatment preferences and should be followed according to applicable law and facility policy. The nurse should notify the provider and clarify any order or documentation concern. Family wishes do not automatically override the patient's expressed decision.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About US Legal and Ethical Nursing Practice

US nursing law and ethics include state nurse practice acts, scope of practice, standards of care, negligence, malpractice, documentation, confidentiality under HIPAA and informed consent. Ethical reasoning applies autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice and fidelity to conflicts such as refusal of treatment, advance directives, privacy breaches and mandatory reporting, which are not the same as legal liability.

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