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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

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.

A Patient with a History of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease