An 87-year-old patient has just been diagnosed with cancer. Her durable power of attorney names her son as her surrogate decision maker. He arrives at the patient's bedside to discuss treatment options with her. The patient is alert and oriented
Her son tells you that he does not want her to receive any treatment (chemotherapy) because of the side effects and her age. The patient tells you that she wants to try the treatment. Which decision should be followed by the nurse?
a. The patient's son's
b. The patient's
c. Both—initially the patient's; then the son's when the medication's side effects become severe
d. Neither; this is a legal decision and should be made by a court of law
B
The patient is alert and oriented and can make her own healthcare decisions. The son only has the authority to make healthcare decisions once his mother becomes incompetent and unable to process information to make decisions. This is not an issue for the court. The patient will decide if and when to discontinue treatment.
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The nurse is admitting an older frail patient with dementia as a resident in a long-term care facility. Which problem is a priority when planning interventions for this patient's care?
1. Agitation 2. Dependency 3. Quality of life 4. Polypharmacy
You are caring for a patient who is going to have a bronchoscopy. How long do you withhold food and fluid from the patient prior to the procedure?
A) 3 hours B) 4 hours C) 5 hours D) 6 hours
What analogy does Figure 15.1 represent, and how can it be linked to research and ethics?
What will be an ideal response?
MC The nurse is working with a family of five: the mother, father, and three children. The children are constantly exposed to hostility and aggressive behaviors by both parents. The nurse knows that these children will be more likely to
A. Display these same behaviors themselves. B. Commit suicide. C. Run away from home at the time of adolescence. D. Become submissive adults.