CNA Practice Patient Rights and Ethics Flashcards

A patient verbally tells you they do not want to be resuscitated, but no DNR order is on file. What should the CNA do?

Answer: Report this to the nurse right away

Only a licensed nurse or physician can act on or document resuscitation wishes; the CNA must report immediately.

Which document allows a patient to designate someone else to make healthcare decisions if they become incapacitated?

Answer: Durable power of attorney for healthcare

A durable power of attorney for healthcare (healthcare proxy) names a specific person to make decisions on the patient's behalf.

A patient's family asks you to withhold a diagnosis from the patient. What is the correct CNA response?

Answer: Report the family's request to the nurse

Patients have the right to know their diagnosis; the CNA must report the family's request to the nurse for proper handling.

A competent adult patient refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The CNA should:

Answer: Notify the nurse and respect the patient's decision

Competent adults have the right to refuse any treatment, including for religious reasons, and this must be respected and reported.

What best describes informed consent?

Answer: The patient agrees after understanding risks, benefits, and alternatives

Informed consent requires that the patient understand and voluntarily agree to treatment after being fully informed of their options.

A patient with advanced dementia is scheduled for surgery. Who typically provides informed consent?

Answer: The patient's legal guardian or healthcare proxy

When a patient lacks decision-making capacity, their legally designated guardian or healthcare proxy provides consent.

What is a living will?

Answer: A legal document stating a patient's wishes for medical care if incapacitated

A living will specifies what life-sustaining treatments a patient does or does not want if they cannot communicate their wishes.