Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

How can a Clinical Nurse Leader support a patient’s care when there is ambiguity about their end-of-life wishes?

1. By making unilateral decisions based on assumptions

2. By gathering a team to discuss available options

3. By delegating the decision-making to the nursing staff

4. By prioritizing treatment that maximizes healthcare revenue

The correct answer is: By gathering a team to discuss available options

A Clinical Nurse Leader can effectively support a patient's care amidst ambiguity about their end-of-life wishes by gathering a team to discuss available options. This approach fosters a collaborative environment where interdisciplinary perspectives can be shared, ensuring that the patient's values and preferences are respected. Facilitating discussions among healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains, allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's situation and helps in formulating a care plan that aligns with their needs. This not only promotes shared decision-making but also benefits the patient and their family by considering all relevant factors, such as advanced directives, cultural values, and psychological support. Engaging the team also highlights the Clinical Nurse Leader's role as a coordinator of care, emphasizing communication and collaboration. This approach ensures that a patient's well-being remains at the forefront, especially in complex and sensitive situations like end-of-life care. It creates an opportunity for clarity and patient-centered care, which is essential when direct wishes are unclear.