Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. A client dies in the hospital. The driver's license indicates that the client wanted to be an organ donor. The family is refusing organ donation. What is the correct action by an RN?
Safe, Effective Care Environment
4. A client dies in the hospital. The driver's license indicates that the client wanted to be an organ donor. The family is refusing organ donation. What is the correct action by an RN?
. Discuss with the family the legality of the driver's license indicating organ donation.
. Respect the family's wishes.
. Seek legal advice to carry out client's wishes.
. Activate the donor team to go forward with the organ donation process.
Test-Taking Tip
Look for the option that is different from the others. Three of the choices continue the question of donation. Only one acknowledges the wishes of the family in the absence of a health care agent for this client.
Content Area: Management of Care, Legal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Safe, Effective Care Environment
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the driver's license "dot" is not a legally binding document of client wishes. Answer 2 is correct because the family's wishes must be followed. If the client had an advance directive, this may not have been an issue. Answer 3 is incorrect because, without a legally executed advance directive on file, there is no use in pursuing the issue. Answer 4 is incorrect because no donor procurement agency will go against the family.