Chapter 9: Legal & Ethical Issues

Question 1

what does loss of autonomy mean for the OA?

Answer 1

loss of independence

Question 2

what are advance directives?

Answer 2

are legal documents that allow competent older adults to document medical care they would or would not want to receive when they are no longer capable of making decision or express their wishes

Question 3

what are different types of advanced directives?

Answer 3

1) Power of attorney / substitute decision maker

2) DNR

3) living wills

4) medical orders for life-sustaining treatment

Question 4

when does the power of attorney take place?

Answer 4

Person responsible for communication of person’s wishes if they become unable or incompetent to communicate decisions of care (terms vary slightly among provinces/territories)

NOTE**MUST be initiated when the older adult is competent and takes effect ONLY when the person is incapacitated

Question 5

What are the nursing implications for nurses to their patient?

Answer 5

encourage the OA to have these discussions with primary health care provider BEFORE a crisis occurs/become incompetent

Question 6

what exactly is DNR?

Answer 6

very specific type of advance directive that compels health care providers to refrain from CPR if there is no sign of breathing or no heartbeat

Question 7

when do living wills come to place?

Answer 7

terminally ill/end-of-life

Question 8

what is Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) directives?

Answer 8

medical directives effective for ensuring that patient preferences are known and honored in all health care settings and situations

Question 9

what colour are ethical questions described as?

Answer 9

grey

Question 10

Which of the following best describes autonomy?

Answer 10

A. Personal freedom to direct one’s own life if it does not infringe on others’ rights **

B. The ability to fulfill one’s roles and handle one’s affairs

C. The ability of a person to consent to or refuse treatment

D. The role of a guardian as it relates to decision making

Question 11

Decision-making capacity is best determined based on which criterion?

Answer 11

A. Medical diagnosis on admission

B. Chronologic age

C. Ability to understand pertinent issues ***

D. Feelings of the surrogate

Question 12

Which is a limitation of a living will?

Answer 12

A. It allows a surrogate to make health care decisions.

B. It is not a legal document.

C. It applies only to the end of life or terminal illness. ***

D. It cannot be revoked.