RN Nursing · Advance Directives · Practice question
A nurse is providing client teaching about advance directives to a client who has a terminal illness. Which of the following statements by the client Indicates an understanding of a living will?
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"When I can no longer make decisions, my living will tells my doctor what care I want."
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"The ethics committee will have the final say if my family doesn't agree with my decisions."
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"I will need to have my provider sign my living will."
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"My attorney needs to be present if I make changes to my living will."
Answer & explanation
Correct: "When I can no longer make decisions, my living will tells my doctor what care I want."
A living will is a legal advance directive document in which a competent individual outlines the medical treatments they want or do not want in the event they become unable to make or communicate their own decisions. The statement that the living will tells the doctor what care the client wants when they can no longer make decisions accurately describes the purpose and function of a living will, demonstrating correct understanding. The statement about the ethics committee having final say is incorrect — the ethics committee may serve as a resource in disputes, but it does not have overriding authority over a valid living will. The claim that the provider must sign the living will is incorrect — a living will typically requires the client's signature and witnesses and/or a notary, but not a provider's signature. The statement that an attorney must be present for changes is incorrect — while legal counsel may be helpful, it is not required; the document must be witnessed and/or notarized according to state law. Therefore, the first statement is the only one that correctly reflects the nature and purpose of a living will.
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