Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Patient Rights and Legal Issues Related

Review Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Patient Rights and Legal Issues related questions and content

A nurse is explaining advance care directives, or living wills, to a patient and the ascendancy spouse. Which of the following would the nurse include in the description?

  • A. The document tells what treatment is to be omitted if the patient is unable to make the decision.
  • B. It requires that the patient sign the living will document while an attorney is present.
  • C. The patient?s physician must act as a witness when the patient signs the document.
  • D. An attorney draws up the papers to be given to the patient and his or her family.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: An advance care directive, or living will, specifies a patient?s preferences for medical treatment, including what treatments to omit, in cases where they are unable to make decisions due to incapacity.