If a patient is deteriorating but can communicate and their advance directive was not completed, what should the nurse do?

Offering to assist in completing an advance directive is the most appropriate action in this scenario because it empowers the patient to communicate their preferences regarding their care during a time of deterioration. The ability to communicate enables the patient to express their values and wishes directly, which is crucial in the decision-making process concerning future medical care. Assisting the patient in this way ensures that their rights and autonomy are respected even as their condition changes.

Additionally, taking the initiative to help with an advance directive can serve as a crucial step in fostering conversations about end-of-life care, ensuring that the patient feels supported and informed. This action reinforces the importance of advance planning in healthcare, allowing patients to have a say in their medical treatment according to their personal beliefs and preferences.

While providing a written copy of a standard directive or consulting with the healthcare team might also contribute to understanding a patient's wishes, they do not directly involve the patient in decision-making or ensure that their specific, individualized preferences are captured at this vital moment. Giving the patient’s husband time to think, while considerate, does not actively involve the patient and may delay necessary decisions regarding care.