A competent client asks the nurse to witness an advance directive. Which action should the nurse take first?
1Tell the client that advance directives are completed only after discharge.
2Ask the client's provider to choose the treatment preferences.
3Sign as the witness because the client requested it.
4Review facility policy to ensure the correct witness process is followed.✓ Correct answer
Explanation
Advance directive witnessing requirements vary by policy and jurisdiction. The nurse should first verify the proper process so the document is valid and voluntary. The provider does not choose the client's preferences, and advance directives can be addressed during care.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Advance directive witness request.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Advance directive witness request, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Advance Directive — A legal document that communicates future health care preferences.
Autonomy — The client's right to make informed decisions about care.
Witness Requirement — Policy or legal criteria for validating a signature.