Locate a copy of an advanced directive (AD) that complies with the laws of the state in which you work. The organization in which you work should have a copy of an advance directive that is given to patients. If not, download your state’s Advance Directives here https://www.caringinfo.org/
CALIFORNIA
Complete the advance directive for yourself. Do not turn in your paper. The AD is for your personal use.
In your paper, Part I:
- Identify where you obtained the AD and explain its compliance with state law.
- Conduct research (1-2 sources) to learn more about the AD in your state and explain how it works.
- Discuss how easy or difficult it was to complete the AD. Your comments should be specific and both objective and subjective. For example, when you state your personal feelings, you must relate them to the literature (textbook and research) that discusses this process and the difficulties that many people face when completing an advance directive.
(Cite/ reference any sources you use to explore these questions, including your texts.)
Part II
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form
- What is a https://polst.org/
- When should this form be completed?
- Who can complete the form?
- Who needs to sign the form to make it a legal document?
(Cite/reference any sources you use to explore these questions, including your texts.)
Part III
Tie the two first sections together by writing a summary and conclusion.
This section should address:
1. the differences between an Advance Health Care Directive and the POLST,
2. the RN’s important role in assuring the patient’s right to autonomy in choosing the healthcare interventions the patient does or does not want.
______________________________
Use current APA Style.
The paper should be between 3-5 pages in length excluding the title and reference page(s).
Cite and reference the course text and at least two (2) additional appropriate professional sources.
Requirements: 3-5 pages
Answer preview
Patients have a right to autonomy. This right allows them to decline any health care intervention they do not want or suggest an intervention they like. Due to this, RNs should be mindful of this right and respect the decisions made by a patient even when they disagree with the patient’s choice. For instance, when an RN notices a patient with a DNR, if the patient’s heart stops, then the RN should let everyone know of the patient’s DNR. This ensures the patient’s wishes are respected even when they are not there to enforce them.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis and discussion presented in this paper, one can deduce that AD and POLST differ. Even though both documents share information about a patient’s treatment wishes, they offer varying information. An AD is a directive, while POLST forms offer medical orders. Despite this variance, both documents are critical to patients exercising their right to autonomy. In addition, healthcare professionals should be cognizant of this right and endeavor to respect it even when they disagree with a patient’s decisions.
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