An 87-year-old patient has just been diagnosed with cancer. Her durable power of attorney names her son as her surrogate decision maker. He arrives at the patient's bedside to discuss treatment options with her.
The patient is alert and oriented. Her son tells you that he does not want her to receive any treatment (chemotherapy) because of the side effects and her age. The patient tells you that she wants to try the treatment. Which decision should be followed by the nurse?
a. The patient's son's
b. The patient's
c. Bothinitially the patient's; then the son's when the medication's side effects become severe
d. Neither; this is a legal decision and should be made by a court of law
Question 2
The nurse witnesses the patient's signature on a consent form to participate in her physician's research study. After the physician leaves the room,
the patient tells the nurse she really doesn't want to participate but didn't have the heart to turn down the request because of fear that the physician would be upset. What should the nurse do to advocate for this patient?
a. Tell the patient the physician will not be upset.
b. Tell the physician why the patient agreed to participate.
c. Explain the importance of the research study to the patient.
d. Ask the patient what she would like you to do.
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