Chapter 10 – Legal and Ethical
The wife of your 75-year-old client comes to you with the concern that her husband has decided to make himself a DNR in his advance directives and does not wish to be resuscitated if his heart stops or he stops breathing. He was diagnosed in early stages of dementia last year, and she is afraid that he is “not in his right mind” to be able to make this decision.
Instructions:
- Answer the following questions:
- What would you share with the wife in regard to his rights in the advance directives decisions?
- How can the nurse help the wife in this situation?
- Can you think of some legal-ethical issues that might be relevant here?
- Your paper should be:
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- One (1) page or more.
- Use factual information from the textbook and/or appropriate articles and websites.
- Cite your sources – type references according to the APA Style Guide.
- Type your answers in a Word document and save the file.
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Chapter 10 – Legal and Ethical
Answer to Question 1:
a. In regard to the husband’s rights in advance directives decisions, it’s essential to convey to the wife that her husband has the legal right to make decisions about his own medical care, including the choice to create a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order. Advance directives, such as a DNR, allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical treatment in advance, particularly in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes. As long as he is deemed competent to make decisions, his wishes expressed in the advance directive should be respected.
b. The nurse can assist the wife by providing information and support. Firstly, the nurse can ensure that the husband’s decision-making capacity is properly assessed by a healthcare professional, such as a physician or psychiatrist. This evaluation can determine whether he is indeed capable of making decisions about his medical care. Additionally, the nurse can offer counseling and guidance to both the husband and wife, helping them understand the implications of the husband’s decision and exploring any underlying concerns or fears they may have.
c. Several legal and ethical issues may be relevant in this situation. One significant issue is the principle of autonomy, which upholds the individual’s right to make decisions about their own medical care. However, this must be balanced with the principle of beneficence, which requires healthcare providers to act in the best interests of the patient. In cases where there is doubt about the patient’s decision-making capacity, healthcare professionals must consider whether the individual’s wishes align with their values and preferences when they were still competent to make decisions. Additionally, issues related to informed consent and the duty to protect vulnerable individuals, such as those with dementia, may arise, necessitating careful assessment and communication with all involved parties.