A patient with a signed Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order suddenly becomes unresponsive and goes into cardiac arrest. His wife, who is his healthcare power of attorney, starts yelling hysterically, “Do everything you can! Save him! I don’t care that he didn’t want to be resuscitated, he would want to live for me!” Which action by the nurse is best?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has undergone surgery following a motor vehicle accident. The patient is stable and resting comfortably; he is expected to make a full recovery. Upon entering the room, the nurse notes the patient’s wife is holding his hand and crying. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

The 17-year-old male patient is brought to the clinic for a yearly check-up. The nurse observes the patient to be unkempt, with greasy hair and significant body odor. The patient has a flat affect during questioning. When the nurse provides education on safety practices such as wearing a seatbelt when in the car, not driving with impaired persons, and using protection during sexual intercourse, the patient retorts, “I don’t really see the point in wearing a seatbelt, if it helps me die more quickly.” Which initial response by the nurse is most appropriate?