A competent older adult client has a living will that expresses the client's desire to avoid resuscitation and heroic life support measures. The family members are not supportive of this directive and plan to contest the living will. Which nursing action
A) Place the document on the chart.
B) Contact the Social Services department.
C) Explain to the client that the conflict could invalidate the document.
D) Notify the hospital attorney.
Answer: A
The client is competent. The wishes of the client must take priority. The document should first be placed on the chart and the physician notified. If there are concerns about the authenticity of the document, the Social Services department or the unit supervisor will need to be contacted. There is no need to notify the hospital attorney at this time. A lack of support by the family, or a plan to contest, does not invalidate the document legally.
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