A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has a living will that states he does not want endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation as a means of respiratory resuscitation.As the patient's condition deteriorates,the patient asks whether he can change his decision.Which response by the nurse is best?

A) "I'll call your physician right away so he can discuss this with you."
B) "You have the right to change your decision about treatment at any time."
C) "Are you sure you want to change your decision?"
D) "We must follow whatever is written in your living will."

Question

Emily Fusco · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : B , Explanation :  The nurse should inform the patient that he has the right to change his decision about treatment at any time.Next,the nurse should notify the physician of the patient's decision so that the physician can speak to the patient and revise the treatment plan as needed.Questioning the patient's decision is judgmental.The patient has the right to change his living will at any time.The medical team should not follow the living will if the patient changes his decision about what is in it.

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