End-of-Life Discussion and Advance Directives · NCLEX Exam

The nurse is caring for a client whose advance directive states: “No artificial hydration if I’m unable to swallow and in a terminal state.” The client is now unable to swallow and the physician recommends IV hydration. The nurse’s best action is to:

  1. Administer the hydration because the physician recommended it
  2. Withhold hydration without clarifying the directive's context
  3. Honour the directive and confirm interpretation with team and family
  4. Disregard the directive because it was signed at an earlier date
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Correct answer: Honour the directive and confirm interpretation with team and family

The nurse must honour the directive (autonomy) while collaborating with the team and family to ensure clarity and ethical implementation.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 12

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