A competent elderly patient has a living will that specifies avoiding resuscitation and heroic life support measures. The family members are not supportive of this directive. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

Question

1. Consider the document valid and document its existence in the medical record.
2. Contact the Social Services department.
3. Notify the hospital attorney.
4. Explain to the patient that the conflict could invalidate the document.

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: The patient is competent. The nurse should consider this document valid and should advocate for the patient's wishes by including the information in the medical record.
Rationale 2: If there are concerns about the authenticity of the document, the Social Services department or the unit supervisor will need to be contacted.
Rationale 3: The nurse would not contact the hospital attorney but would make the situation known to the unit supervisor.
Rationale 4: A lack of support by the family does not invalidate the document.