A competent elderly client has a living will. The living will expresses the desire to avoid resuscitation and heroic life support measures. The family members are not supportive of this directive
Which of the following actions by the nursing staff is most appropriate? 1. Contact the Social Services department
2. Notify the hospital attorney
3. Place the document on the chart
4. Explain to the client that the conflict could invalidate the document
3. Place the document on the chart
Rationale:
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 does not invalidate the document legally.
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