Question

A nurse is educating a client who has a terminal illness about her request to decline resuscitation in her living will. The client asks what would happen if she arrived at the emergency department and had difficulty breathing. Which of the following responses should the nurse provide?

A) "We would consult the person appointed by your heath care proxy to make descisions."
B) "We would give you oxygen through a tube in your nose."
C) "You would be unablet to change your previous wishes"
D) "We would insert a breathing tube while evaluating your condition."

Answer 1

If the client arrives at the emergency department with difficulty breathing and has requested to decline resuscitation, the nurse would prioritize the client's wishes and consult the person appointed by the health care proxy. Medical personnel would not insert a breathing tube or take steps to revive the client.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the client arrived at the emergency department and had difficulty breathing, the nurse would prioritize the client's wishes stated in the living will. In this case, the client has already requested to decline resuscitation, which means medical personnel would not insert a breathing tube or take steps to revive or resuscitate the client.

The nurse would consult the person appointed by the client's health care proxy to make decisions regarding her medical care, as stated in option A. This person would advocate for the client's wishes and ensure they are respected.