A patient with a terminal illness says that when the pain becomes too unbearable he plans to take an overdose of pain medication and end it all. How should the nurse respond to this patient's plan?
Select all that apply.
1. "Do you have a living will?"
2. "Have you assigned durable power of attorney to anyone?"
3. "Have you considered a healthcare surrogate?"
4. "Have you researched methods for self-euthanasia?"
5. "Have you talked with your healthcare provider about orders for life-sustaining treatment?"
Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5
A living will is a document that provides written directions about life-prolonging procedures to follow when an individual can no longer communicate in a life-threatening situation. Durable power of attorney is a document that can delegate the authority to make healthcare decisions. A healthcare surrogate is a person selected to make medical decisions when the patient is no longer able to do so. A physician order for life-sustaining treatment (POLST) is a form for patients with serious, progressive, chronic illnesses that translates their wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment into actionable medical orders. Euthanasia is not supported by the American Nurses Association and would be inappropriate to discuss with the patient.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is assessing the reproductive history of a 68-year-old postmenopausal woman. Which finding is cause for immediate action by the nurse?
a. Vaginal dryness b. Need for a Papanicolaou test if none for 3 years c. Bleeding from the vagina d. Leakage of urine
The nurse is aware that histamine plays an important role in the immune response and the effects of histamine can manifest in assessment findings. Which response can occur as a result of histamine release?
A) Constriction of small venules B) Contraction of bronchial smooth muscle C) Dilation of large blood vessels D) Decreased secretion of gastric and mucosal cells
The nurse is assessing a client at risk for shock. The client's systolic blood pressure is 20 mm Hg lower than baseline. Which intervention does the nurse perform first?
a. Increase the IV fluid rate. b. Administer oxygen. c. Notify the health care provider. d. Place the client in high Fowler's position.
Which of the following represents a Level II disaster?
a. A building collapse that fills the local emergency room with patients. b. A freeway accident that involves multiple vehicles. c. Flooding of a three-state area affecting food and water resources. d. Earthquake that destroys homes and transportation facilities.