A practical nurse (PN) is employed at a community-based hospice and palliative care center. Which of the following actions by the PN demonstrate adherence to legal boundaries and ethical mandates? Select all that apply.
- Verifying the physical presence of a signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order in the medical record prior to withholding cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Answer
- Contacting the nursing supervisor and protective services immediately after observing a caregiver aggressively handle a vulnerable client.Answer
- CDetailing the potential complications of an upcoming palliative surgical intervention to ensure the client is fully informed before signing the consent form.
- DReviewing the electronic health record of a close friend who is receiving end-of-life care on another unit to stay updated on their condition.
- EAccepting the delegation from a registered nurse (RN) to conduct the comprehensive admission assessment for a newly referred client.
- FPostponing the report of suspected elder neglect until concrete evidence can be gathered during subsequent home visits.
Answer
The correct actions are verifying the physical presence of a signed DNR order before withholding resuscitation and immediately reporting suspected caregiver abuse to the supervisor and protective services.
Verifying the physical presence of a signed DNR order ensures the nurse is following legal documentation rather than verbal hearsay when withholding life-saving measures. Additionally, immediately reporting suspected abuse fulfills the legal obligation of a mandated reporter to protect vulnerable clients from harm.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse must operate within their defined scope of practice, maintain strict client confidentiality, act as a mandated reporter of abuse, and follow established protocols for advance directives.