Nursing Ethics
Advance Directives and End-of-Life
Advance directives allow patients to dictate their healthcare preferences when they can no longer make decisions for themselves.
Types of Directives
- Living Will: Outlines preferences for specific treatments.
- Durable Power of Attorney: Designates a surrogate decision-maker.
- DNR (Do Not Resuscitate): Clinical order to withhold CPR.
- DNI (Do Not Intubate): Prevents invasive mechanical ventilation.
Nursing Role
- Assess for the presence of advance directives on admission.
- Explain the purpose to patients and families.
- Ensure the medical team is aware of existing directives.
- Support family members in honoring the patient's stated wishes.
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