A patient in the ICU has been slowly deteriorating over the last few days. No decision has been made related to do not resuscitate (DNR) status
The nurse has been given a verbal order to perform a "slow code" in the event that the patient needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The most important reason that this order cannot be executed is due to which of the following?
A) The patient did not verbalize that she wanted to be resuscitated.
B) The order is unethical.
C) A living will was not executed.
D) The patient is not competent to make a decision.
Ans: B
Feedback: A "slow code" is an unacceptable medical order. The best recourse for nurses is to be aware of hospital policy related to the Patient Self-Determination Act and execution of advance directives.
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