NURSING LEGAL AND ETHICS-
FUNDEMENTALS OF NURSING -WGU
D439 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+
The Purpose of Advance Medical Directives
Core Objective: These documents are designed to preserve a patient's
autonomy. They ensure the individual has a formal "voice" in their medical
care—including the right to decline specific life-sustaining treatments—even if
they lose the ability to speak for themselves. ✔✔
Historical and Legal Origin
Formal Initiation: Advance directives were formally established in January
1993 (under the Patient Self-Determination Act). The goal was to provide a
clear legal framework for medical teams to follow when a patient is
incapacitated, reducing ambiguity during high-stress clinical situations. ✔✔
Defining the Advance Directive
Definition: An Advance Medical Directive is a binding legal document. It
outlines a patient's specific preferences for medical interventions and end-of-life
care, serving as a roadmap for healthcare providers when the patient cannot
provide informed consent. ✔✔
Primary Types of Directives
To ensure comprehensive coverage, there are two main types:
Living Will: A written statement detailing specific medical treatments the
patient does or does not want (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes).
, Health Care Proxy: Also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for
Health Care, this designates a specific person to make medical decisions on
the patient's behalf. ✔✔
Activation Criteria
Timing: It is important to note that these directives are not active as long as the
patient is conscious and competent. They only take effect at the exact moment a
patient is deemed clinically incapacitated and unable to communicate their own
choices. ✔✔
Can advance directives be changed? -ANSWER ✔✔Yes, they are subject to
change at any time by the competent client.
What is a Living Will? -ANSWER ✔✔A document used to decline life-
prolonging treatment and specify the circumstances and care preferences if the
person becomes hopelessly ill.
What is a Health Care Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care)? -
ANSWER ✔✔A document that designates another person to make health care
decisions if the client becomes unable to do so, reflecting the client's known
wishes.
Main difference between a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy -ANSWER
✔✔Living Will = documents specific treatment wishes. Health Care Proxy =
appoints a person to make decisions consistent with the client's wishes.
Who governs the laws surrounding advance medical directives? -ANSWER
✔✔Each state, which defines the conditions, content, and execution procedures
for advance directives.
FUNDEMENTALS OF NURSING -WGU
D439 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 100%
CORRECT RATED A+
The Purpose of Advance Medical Directives
Core Objective: These documents are designed to preserve a patient's
autonomy. They ensure the individual has a formal "voice" in their medical
care—including the right to decline specific life-sustaining treatments—even if
they lose the ability to speak for themselves. ✔✔
Historical and Legal Origin
Formal Initiation: Advance directives were formally established in January
1993 (under the Patient Self-Determination Act). The goal was to provide a
clear legal framework for medical teams to follow when a patient is
incapacitated, reducing ambiguity during high-stress clinical situations. ✔✔
Defining the Advance Directive
Definition: An Advance Medical Directive is a binding legal document. It
outlines a patient's specific preferences for medical interventions and end-of-life
care, serving as a roadmap for healthcare providers when the patient cannot
provide informed consent. ✔✔
Primary Types of Directives
To ensure comprehensive coverage, there are two main types:
Living Will: A written statement detailing specific medical treatments the
patient does or does not want (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes).
, Health Care Proxy: Also known as a Durable Power of Attorney for
Health Care, this designates a specific person to make medical decisions on
the patient's behalf. ✔✔
Activation Criteria
Timing: It is important to note that these directives are not active as long as the
patient is conscious and competent. They only take effect at the exact moment a
patient is deemed clinically incapacitated and unable to communicate their own
choices. ✔✔
Can advance directives be changed? -ANSWER ✔✔Yes, they are subject to
change at any time by the competent client.
What is a Living Will? -ANSWER ✔✔A document used to decline life-
prolonging treatment and specify the circumstances and care preferences if the
person becomes hopelessly ill.
What is a Health Care Proxy (Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care)? -
ANSWER ✔✔A document that designates another person to make health care
decisions if the client becomes unable to do so, reflecting the client's known
wishes.
Main difference between a Living Will and a Health Care Proxy -ANSWER
✔✔Living Will = documents specific treatment wishes. Health Care Proxy =
appoints a person to make decisions consistent with the client's wishes.
Who governs the laws surrounding advance medical directives? -ANSWER
✔✔Each state, which defines the conditions, content, and execution procedures
for advance directives.
