Chapter 6

Question 1

What is a Health Care Directive?

Answer 1

Documents that outline treatment decisions that patients have asked to be followed if they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves

Question 2

What was the result of the Health Care Directive Act of 1993?

Answer 2

Health care professionals are now legally obligated to follow the identified written instructions of patients.

Question 3

Who should have access to a patients Health Care Directive?

Answer 3

Should be easily available to family members and the heath care team.

Question 4

What are the contents of a Health Care Directives

Answer 4

-DNR
-End of Life Care
-Considers current individual medical decisions
-Proxy

Question 5

What is a proxy?

Answer 5

A proxy is a person who makes health care decisions on the person’s behalf when the person is unable to communicate.

Question 6

What are the three health care professional’s legal and ethical responsibilities?

Answer 6

-Stay away from care that is not medically possible

-Be conscious of poor standards of health care and futile care

-Involving family in decision making

Question 7

What are the steps in the nurses role related to Health Care Directives?

Answer 7

1) Explain that the client has a right to accept or refuse medical

2) Encourage the client to discuss with family members

3) Describe the effects of interventions/educate client and family

4) Assist clients to clarify their values/beliefs

5) Act as advocates for clients/proxies