The nurse, caring for a terminally ill patient in a coma, reads the patient's living will and realizes that most of the care provided has been in violation of the will. Which of the following will most likely occur with the nurse, physician, and care organization?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the language of the living will is broad and vague, there is typically no legal enforcement of the will and health care providers can choose to follow or ignore it as the need arises. But since there is no protection against criminal or civil liability, the care providers will most likely ignore the will's direction for fear of charges of wrongful death. In this situation, most likely nothing will be done. The nurse, physician and care organization will not be sued for not following the will. Because the will is broad and vague, care does not necessarily have to be provided according to the will.

The Nurse, Caring for a Terminally Ill Patient in a Coma