An alert, oriented, 87-year-old patient has just been diagnosed with cancer. According to the patient's durable power of attorney, the patient's son serves as the patient's surrogate decision maker. The patient's son tells the nurse he is refusing chemotherapy treatment on the patient's behalf due to concerns about medication side effects and quality of life. Meanwhile, the patient states, "I want to receive chemotherapy." Which action does the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is alert and oriented, indicating they have the capacity to make their own healthcare decisions. Therefore, the patient's wishes should be respected, and the chemotherapy treatment should be administered as ordered.

An Alert, Oriented, 87-Year-Old Patient Has Just Been Diagnosed with Cancer