NCLEX : Palliative Care questions with correct answers

A competent older adult patient has a living will that expresses the patient's desire to avoid resuscitation and heroic life support measures. The patient's family, however, is not supportive of this directive and plans to contest the living will. Which nursing action is appropriate based on the current situation? 1) Notify the hospital attorney. 2) Contact the Social Services department. 3) Place the document on the patient's medical record. 4) Explain to the patient that the conflict could inv CORRECT ANSWER 3) Place the document on the patient's medical record. Rationale: 1 There is no need to notify the hospital attorney at this time. 2 If there are concerns about the authenticity of the document, the Social Services department or the unit supervisor will need to be contacted. 3 This patient is competent; therefore, the wishes of the client take priority. The document should be placed on the patient's medical record and the health-care provider notified. 4 A lack of support by the family, or a plan to contest, does not invalidate the document legally. The nurse is providing care for a Catholic patient who has suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage and is not expected to survive. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate? 1) Contact a priest to deliver the Sacrament of the Sick. 2) Make plans for the family to wash the body after death. 3) Contact a rabbi so that the patient can particip