Which statement is correct about honoring advance directives?

Which statement is correct about honoring advance directives?

• A. Only if family agrees
• B. If physician approves
• C. Only if resident is competent
• D. They should be honored even if family disagrees

Answer: (D)

Respecting advance directives centers on honoring the patient’s autonomy and legal choices about medical care for times when they can’t speak for themselves. When a valid advance directive exists, it guides what treatments should or should not be provided, regardless of what family members want or think. The directive is binding and does not require a physician’s approval to be followed; it stands as the patient’s expressed wishes and remains in effect as long as it’s valid for the current situation. It’s also based on the assumption that the directive was created while the person was competent, and it continues to guide care even if the person is temporarily or permanently unable to participate in decisions, unless it has been revoked or superseded. Family involvement is important for support and for ensuring the directive is understood, but their disagreement cannot override the patient’s documented wishes.

Respecting advance directives centers on honoring the patient’s autonomy and legal choices about medical care for times when they can’t speak for themselves. When a valid advance directive exists, it guides what treatments should or should not be provided, regardless of what family members want or think. The directive is binding and does not require a physician’s approval to be followed; it stands as the patient’s expressed wishes and remains in effect as long as it’s valid for the current situation. It’s also based on the assumption that the directive was created while the person was competent, and it continues to guide care even if the person is temporarily or permanently unable to participate in decisions, unless it has been revoked or superseded. Family involvement is important for support and for ensuring the directive is understood, but their disagreement cannot override the patient’s documented wishes.