A patient being treated for a terminal illness tells the nurse that even though he signed a natural death act a few years ago, he does not want to have it followed. Which of the following should be done to support this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Once signed and witnessed, most natural death acts are effective until revoked. The document can be revoked by the patient's stating that he no longer wants the document to be followed. This is considered oral revocation and is legal. The document should be deemed invalid. Since it can be revoked it does not need to be followed once signed and it is up to the doctor whether to follow the document or not. The patient's attorney does not need to go to court to have the document revoked.

A Patient Being Treated for a Terminal Illness Tells the Nurse