The nurse finds it difficult to care for a patient whose advance directive states that no extraordinary resuscitation measures should be taken.Which step may help the nurse to find resolution in this assignment?
A) Call for an ethical committee consult.
B) Decline the assignment on religious grounds.
C) Scrutinize her own personal values.
D) Convince the family to challenge the directive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Values develop over time and are influenced by family,schools,religious traditions,and life experiences.The nurse must recognize that no two humans have the same set of experiences,and so differences in values are more likely the norm than the exception.Closer inspection of one's values may be a step in gaining understanding of another person's perspective.Calling for a consult,declining the assignment,and convincing the family to challenge the patient's directive are not ideal resolutions because they do not address the reason for the nurse's discomfort,which is the conflict between the nurse's values and those of the patient.

The Nurse Finds It Difficult to Care for a Patient