NCLEX RN Practice Question

The correct answer focuses on advocating for the patient’s autonomy and respecting their legally binding wishes, which is a core principle of nursing ethics. It ensures that the patient's preferences, as stated in the advance directive, are upheld. While involving the ethics committee may help mediate family concerns and exploring family dynamics is compassionate, the primary responsibility of the nurse is to adhere to the patient's expressed wishes. Informing legal authorities prematurely is inappropriate unless there is evidence of abuse or other extenuating circumstances warranting such action.