Unit 4 Project Questions
1. What is the purpose of having an advance directive?
The purpose of having an advance directive is to ensure that the patient receives the type of healthcare treatments and procedures he or she wants if they become incapable of communicating their healthcare decisions.
2. There are four types of advanced directives listed in your text. Please list and describe three of them:
i. Living will; is a document that a person drafts before becoming incompetent or unable to make healthcare decisions ii. Durable power of attorney for healthcare; is a document that empowers another person to make healthcare decisions for an incompetent patient. It goes into effect after the person becomes incompetent and only pertain to healthcare decisions. iii. Do not resuscitate (DNR) order; this is an order placed into a person’s medical chart or medical record. It indicates that the person does not want to be resuscitated if breathing stops.
3. What is the purpose of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act?
The uniform anatomical gift act allows someone over the age of 18 and of sound mind to make a gift of any part of their body for the purposes of medical research or transplant.
4. Does the patient in this case have a right to an advance directive? Why or why not?
Yes, the patient has the right to an advance directive because the patient is in the right state of mind and capable of making their own decisions.
5. Does the patient in this case have a right to refuse treatment? Why or why not?
Yes, the patient does not believe in modern medicine which is the patients right.
6. What should your role as a medical assistant be in this situation?
My role as a medical assistant would be to review the document, make a copy for the patient’s medical file and inform the doctor of the patient’s wishes.
7. If surgery was to be performed on the patient