As you prepare e.B. for surgery, he is quiet and withdrawn. He follows instructions quietly and slowly
without asking questions. His son and daughter are at his bedside, and they also are very quiet. Finally,
e.B.
tells his family, "I don't want to go like your mother did. She lingered on and had so much pain. I don't
want them to bring me back."
You look at his chart and find no advance directives. What is your responsibility?
What will be an ideal response?
• On admission, all patients must be informed about advance directives and are given the
opportunity to state their wishes in writing at that time. Tell him you overheard his conversation.
You can find no advance directives in his chart. It is recommended that patients have their wishes
in writing as an advanced directive, but the physician can write the order for "do not resuscitate" or
limited code status after discussing with the patient and/or family.
• Ask him whether he wishes to state advance directives (his specific wishes). Notify the appropriate
hospital representative to talk to E.B. and obtain written instructions to ensure that his wishes are
carried out.
• Ask the physician to clarify with E.B. regarding what E.B. does and does not want done. Physicians
are often not aware of the existence of advance directives or a patient's stated wishes.
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a. Accuracy b. Clarity c. Confidence d. Humility e. Precision
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A) Health care technology B) Hospital care C) Outpatient treatment and surgery D) Prescription medications
What term is used to describe a malignant tumor of the bone?
a. Adenoma b. Osteoma c. Sarcoma d. Carcinoma