# A competent client asks the nurse to witness an advance directive. Which action should the nurse take first?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Informed Consent  
> category: MOC

## Question

A competent client asks the nurse to witness an advance directive. Which action should the nurse take first?

## Option

1. Sign as the witness because the client requested it.
2. Review facility policy to ensure the correct witness process is followed. **✔ Correct answer**
3. Ask the client's provider to choose the treatment preferences.
4. Tell the client that advance directives are completed only after discharge.

**Correct answer: 2**

## 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.

## In-depth explanation

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 scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Advance directive witness request, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **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.

## Related questions

- [A client scheduled for colon resection has signed the consent form but says, "I still do n…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393659&lang=en)
- [A client scheduled for colon resection has signed the consent form but says, "I still do n…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=393660&lang=en)
- [A client who speaks limited English is scheduled for surgery and has questions before sign…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394067&lang=en)
- [A client who speaks limited English is scheduled for surgery and has questions before sign…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=394068&lang=en)
- [A client who speaks limited English is scheduled for a nonemergency procedure. The adult c…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396569&lang=en)
- [A client who speaks limited English is scheduled for a nonemergency procedure. The adult c…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=396570&lang=en)
- [A nurse gives a scheduled oral medication 2 hours late and the client has no adverse effec…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397132&lang=en)
- [A client scheduled for surgery states, "I will not accept blood products for religious rea…](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397239&lang=en)

## Read in another language

- [en](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=en)
- [ko](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=ko)
- [ja](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=ja)
- [zh-TW](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=zh-tw)
- [vi](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397305&lang=vi)

---

More free questions: [NCLEX-RN Practice](https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_bank.php?lang=en)

_For study reference only. Always follow current clinical guidelines and your institution’s protocols._