A clinically-designated surrogate decision maker is discussing with the physician the choices that most effectively address the patient's ongoing healthcare needs. This surrogate is utilizing which of the following standards when determining the patient's wishes?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

There are three standards used to assist healthcare providers in determining the patient's wishes. The Best Interest standards is an objective test that allows the decision-maker to implement what he or she sees as being in the patient's best interest . This is what the clinically-designated surrogate is doing. The substituted judgment standard is subjective; the decision-maker is attempting to determine what the patient would want if he was able to make his wishes known. The futility standard centers on whether further treatment would be considered futile. There is not a consent standard.

A Clinically-Designated Surrogate Decision Maker Is Discussing with the Physician