Autonomy and
Decision-Making
Decision-Making
This term means the right of individuals to make their own informed decisions about care.
What is autonomy?
This written document outlines what medical treatments a person wishes to receive—or not receive—if they cannot communicate.
What is a living will?
This ethical principle means doing what is good for the patient.
What is beneficence?
This type of elder abuse involves physical force that may cause pain or injury.
What is physical abuse?
Nurses are legally required to do this if they suspect elder abuse.
What is report to the proper authority?
The ability to understand information and make choices that align with one’s values defines this concept.
What is decision-making capacity?
This medical order directs that resuscitation not be performed in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
What is a DNR order?
Respecting an older adult’s refusal of treatment reflects this ethical principle.
What is autonomy?
Taking an older adult’s money or possessions without consent is an example of this.
What is financial exploitation?
When teaching about advance directives, nurses explain these two essential elements.
What are the purpose and resources?
When nurses, patients, and families collaborate to make care decisions, this model is used.
What is shared decision-making?
This form lists detailed medical orders for life-sustaining treatment and must be signed by a provider.
What is a POLST or MOLST form?
Cultural beliefs about family hierarchy may affect who is expected to make medical decisions in this context.
What is collectivist decision-making?
When noticing bruises in various stages of healing, this immediate nursing response is required.
What is report suspected abuse?
In Pennsylvania, nurses report suspected elder abuse to this agency.
What is Adult Protective Services (APS) under the Office of Aging?
This legal term indicates being recognized as mentally and legally capable of health care decisions.
What is competency?
This legal document authorizes a person to make health decisions if the patient becomes incapacitated.
What is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care?
Ethical dilemmas often arise when a nurse’s perception of best care conflicts with family wishes.
What is a value conflict?
Cognitive decline, caregiver stress, and social isolation are all risk factors for this issue.
What is elder abuse and neglect?
Ensuring this part of the record is complete and timely reflects professional accountability.
What is documentation?
Nurses promote autonomy through this key professional role that includes providing education and supporting choices.
What is advocacy and patient education?
Reviewing and updating these documents regularly ensures accuracy and ethical care alignment.
What are advance directives or medical orders?
Effective cross-cultural nursing care begins with this essential action before giving advice or teaching.
What is assessing cultural and spiritual values?
Failure to provide food, medication, or hygiene needs demonstrates this serious form of abuse.
What is neglect?
When ethical conflict arises, nurses engage in this structured process for collaborative resolution.
What is an ethics consultation or debriefing?