Legal and Documentation Considerations in End-of-Life Care
Legal and Documentation Considerations in End-of-Life Care ( 7 Questions)
A client is admitted to the hospital with terminal cancer and expresses a wish to die at home. The client has an advance directive that states they do not want any life-sustaining treatments. Which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of legal and ethical principles related to end-of-life care?
"I will make sure that your advance directive is followed by all members of your health care team." - This is a correct statement, but it does not indicate an understanding of legal and ethical principles related to end-of-life care. The nurse has a legal and ethical duty to follow the client's advance directive, but this does not address their wish to die at home or their need for palliative care.
"I will consult with your family members before making any decisions about your care." - This is an incorrect statement, as it violates the client's autonomy and right to self-determination. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and decisions regarding their end-of-life care, unless there is evidence of a durable power of attorney for health care or a court order that states otherwise.
"I will administer pain medication as needed, even if it may hasten your death." - This is an incorrect statement, as it implies that the nurse intends to cause or hasten the client's death, which is illegal and unethical. The nurse should administer pain medication as needed, following the principle of double effect, which states that an action that has both good and bad effects is morally permissible if the good effect is intended and outweighs
The nurse should refer the client to a hospice program that can provide them with palliative care at home, as this aligns with their wish to die at home and their advance directive that states they do not want any life-sustaining treatments. Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life and comfort of clients who have a life expectancy of six months or less.
Rationale: The nurse should refer the client to a hospice program that can provide them with palliative care at home, as this aligns with their wish to die at home and their advance directive that states they do not want any life-sustaining treatments. Hospice care focuses on improving the quality of life and comfort of clients who have a life expectancy of six months or less.
Incorrect options:
A) "I will make sure that your advance directive is followed by all members of your health care team." - This is a correct statement, but it does not indicate an understanding of legal and ethical principles related to end-of-life care. The nurse has a legal and ethical duty to follow the client's advance directive, but this does not address their wish to die at home or their need for palliative care.
B) "I will consult with your family members before making any decisions about your care." - This is an incorrect statement, as it violates the client's autonomy and right to self-determination. The nurse should respect the client's wishes and decisions regarding their end-of-life care, unless there is evidence of a durable power of attorney for health care or a court order that states otherwise.
C) "I will administer pain medication as needed, even if it may hasten your death." - This is an incorrect statement, as it implies that the nurse intends to cause or hasten the client's death, which is illegal and unethical. The nurse should administer pain medication as needed, following the principle of double effect, which states that an action that has both good and bad effects is morally permissible if the good effect is intended and outweighs
the bad effect.