A patient with a documented Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order suddenly develops pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate?

Following a motor vehicle accident, the patient is unable to make his wishes known and is close to death without immediate and extensive treatment. The patient’s girlfriend, who he has been living with for the last five years, wants the medical team to do everything possible to save him. The patient’s wife, who he left when he moved in with his girlfriend, states she would not like any lifesaving measures and will sign the Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) paperwork. The medical team looks to which entity for decision-making?

The nurse is reviewing the chart of the patient who is scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in one hour. Signed consent is found, as well as blood transfusion consent, anesthesia evaluation, blood type, and emergency contacts. The nurse asks the patient, “Do you have any questions about your upcoming gallbladder removal surgery?” The patient replies, “Gallbladder removal? I thought they were just taking out my gallstones. I’ll be glad to get rid of those.” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?