Which patient is exercising their right to autonomy in the context of patient rights.. A 99 year old who wants CPR despite the fact that the nurse and doctor do not think that it would be successful

Which patient is exercising their right to autonomy in the context of patient rights?

• A- An 86 year old female who remains independent in terms of the activities of daily living.
• B- An unemancipated 16 year old who chooses to not have an intravenous line.
• C- A 32 year old who does not need the help of the nurse to bathe and groom themselves.
• D- A 99 year old who wants CPR despite the fact that the nurse and doctor do not think that it would be successful.

Correct Response: D

The 99 year old who wants CPR despite the fact that the nurse and doctor do not think that it would be successful is exercising their right to autonomy. Autonomy means that all competent clients have the right to make their own decisions without any coercion or interference even if any or all of their healthcare providers do not agree with this decision. Autonomy is self determination and, in the context of the activities of daily living, autonomy is not related to independence, but only independence in terms of decision making. Lastly, informed legal consents and refusals for treatments, like an intravenous line, is reserved only for those who are not minors and minors who have been emancipated.