Question

In carrying out patients' wishes and directives as a nurse, which of the following is an unethical action for the nurse?

a. Ignoring a " do not resuscitate" order for an older adult patient in the ICU
b. Implementing a hysician's order to withhold artificial hydration from an older adult patient in irreversible coma
c. Adhering to the choices made for an older adult patient by the individual with durable power of attorney for health care

Answer 1

In carrying out patients' wishes and directives as a nurse, the unethical action is adhering to the choices made for a patient by someone with durable power of attorney for health care.

Step-by-step explanation:

In carrying out patients' wishes and directives as a nurse, it is unethical for the nurse to:

1. Ignoring a 'do not resuscitate' order for an older adult patient in the ICU
2. Implementing a physician's order to withhold artificial hydration from an older adult patient in irreversible coma

The unethical action for the nurse would be option c., which is adhering to the choices made for an older adult patient by the individual with durable power of attorney for health care. In this case, the nurse should follow the specific wishes and directives of the patient themselves, as outlined in their living will or advance directive.