Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate action when a family expresses confusion due to differing physician opinions in end-of-life decisions?

1. Review the physicians' progress notes with the family

2. Contact physicians individually to discuss the matter

3. Coordinate a family conference with all involved physicians

4. Request an ethics committee review

The correct answer is: Coordinate a family conference with all involved physicians

Coordinating a family conference with all involved physicians is the most appropriate action in this scenario because it seeks to provide a clear and unified understanding of the patient's condition and treatment options directly to the family. This meeting allows healthcare providers to collaboratively address concerns, clarify differing opinions, and ensure that the family receives consistent information. Bringing all relevant physicians together facilitates open communication, enabling the family to ask questions and express their feelings in real time. This approach not only respects the family's need for clarity but also promotes trust in the healthcare team by demonstrating a commitment to transparency and collaboration. Furthermore, it helps to align the goals of care among the healthcare providers, which is especially important in navigating complex end-of-life decisions. While reviewing the physicians' progress notes or contacting the physicians individually may provide some clarity, these options are less effective as they do not foster a collaborative environment or allow for immediate dialogue with the family. Requesting an ethics committee review could be necessary in some situations, but it is typically more appropriate when there are unresolved ethical dilemmas rather than simply differing opinions. Coordinating the family conference directly addresses the family’s confusion in a timely and supportive manner.