What should be done after a patient confirms they have an advance directive?

When a patient confirms that they have an advance directive, the appropriate action is to ask for a copy of that directive. This document outlines the patient's preferences regarding medical treatment and decision-making in case they become unable to communicate their wishes. Having a copy ensures that the healthcare team can respect and adhere to the patient's wishes, aligning treatment with their values and decisions.

Obtaining the advance directive allows the medical team to be fully informed about the patient's desires concerning life-sustaining treatment, palliative care, and other critical decisions. This step is essential for providing care that respects the patient's autonomy and previous planning regarding their healthcare.

Other options, such as asking how the patient feels about their surgery or discussing potential complications, may indeed be relevant in the context of providing comprehensive care, but these conversations do not directly address the confirmation of the advance directive and the immediate need to incorporate the patient's wishes into care plans. Scheduling a follow-up appointment is also important but is not the most immediate concern after confirming an advance directive. Having the directive ensures that the care provided thereafter aligns with the patient's preferences.