Question

An older male who is admitted for end stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) tells the nurse the client provides the nurse with a living will and DNR. What action should the nurse implement?

Answer 1

The nurse should review, document, and respect the patient's living will and DNR in a case where an older male admitted for end stage COPD provides them. This involves discussing the documents with the patient, informing the healthcare team, and honoring the patient's wishes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When an older male who is admitted for end stage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) provides a nurse with a living will and DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), the nurse should implement the following actions:

1. Ensure that the living will and DNR are reviewed and understood. The nurse should discuss the contents of the documents with the patient and clarify any questions or concerns the patient may have.
2. Document the existence of the living will and DNR in the patient's medical records and inform the healthcare team about the patient's wishes.
3. Respect and honor the patient's wishes by adhering to the instructions outlined in the living will and DNR. This may involve withholding life-extending treatments and refraining from resuscitating the patient if their heart stops or if they stop breathing.

It is important for the nurse to advocate for the patient's autonomy and ensure that their wishes are communicated and respected. By implementing these actions, the nurse can provide appropriate care based on the patient's preferences and values.