Ace the ANCC Exam 2025 – Ignite Your Nursing Superpowers!

When a patient clearly expresses a desire not to be intubated, it is crucial for the nurse practitioner to respect this autonomy and the patient's wishes regarding their end-of-life care. Notifying the physician of this conversation creates an important opportunity for collaborative decision-making based on the patient's preferences. It ensures that the physician is fully aware of the patient's wishes and can discuss alternative care options that align with the patient's stated desires.

The immediate focus should be on honoring the patient's preferences and ensuring their voice is heard in the medical decision-making process. This protocol helps facilitate a respectful patient-provider dialogue and protects the patient's rights, particularly in situations where a living will cannot be immediately located.

While it might seem logical to attempt to retrieve documentation confirming the patient's wishes, such actions should not override the verbal expression of the patient. Engaging the physician allows for an immediate response to the situation and helps establish the necessary framework to support the patient’s request appropriately.