Question

A patient has just been told that he has approximately six months to live and asks about advance directives. Which statements by the nurse give the patient correct information? (Select all that apply.)

a. "You have the right to refuse treatment at any time."
b. "If you want certain procedures or actions taken or not taken, and you might not be able to tell anyone at the time, you need to complete documents ahead of time that give your health care provider this information."
c. "You will be resuscitated at any time to allow you the longest length of survival."
d. "You might want to think about choosing someone who will make medical decisions for you in the event that you are unable to make your desires known."
e. "We will get someone who knows the state's guidelines to assist you in setting up your living will."
f. "If you travel to another state, your living will should cover your wishes."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the patient about their right to refuse treatment, the importance of completing advance directives like a living will, and the option to appoint a healthcare proxy. The living will should also cover the patient's wishes when traveling to another state.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient who has been told they have approximately six months to live and is asking about advance directives should be given correct information. The nurse should inform the patient that they have the right to refuse treatment at any time (a). They should also explain that completing documents ahead of time, such as a living will or advance directive, allows the patient to specify their desired procedures or actions in case they are unable to communicate (b). The statement that the patient will be resuscitated at any time is incorrect (c), as the patient may choose to have a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. The nurse should also suggest appointing a healthcare proxy to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient if they become incapacitated (d). Additionally, the nurse can assist the patient in setting up their living will by providing information about state guidelines and connecting them with relevant resources (e). Lastly, the living will should cover the patient's wishes even if they travel to another state (f).