an infant is brought to the emergency department. the infant is limp and has central cyanosis, a heart rate of 60 beats/minute,
and a respiratory rate of 12 breaths/minute. the parents state that they have an advance directive for their infant, who has a terminal illness. a nurse's initial action should be to:
A nurse's initial action should be to ask to see a copy of the advance directive.
Nurses have a moral obligation to ensure that healthcare advocates base their decisions on the patient's wishes. When a patient is helpless and irreplaceable, caregivers should support decisions that are best for the patient and ensure that all values are upheld.
If you are healthy become seriously ill or are unable to make medical decisions in the future talk to your healthcare provider about completing your living will. Otherwise, ask who would like to make decisions if the patient is no longer able to make them.
