Question
A nurse has been providing care to a client in the home for years. The nurse is asked to witness the client's signature on a will. What factors should cause the nurse to question whether to act as a witness on this document? Select all that apply.
The client is alert and free of drugs that could distort thinking. The nurse is included as a beneficiary in the will. The client knows what the client is doing. The nurse did not watch the client sign the will. A relative is telling the client, "You must sign this document now."
The client is alert and free of drugs that could distort thinking. The nurse is included as a beneficiary in the will. The client knows what the client is doing. The nurse did not watch the client sign the will. A relative is telling the client, "You must sign this document now."
Answers
GPT-4o mini
When considering whether to act as a witness on a client's will, the nurse should evaluate several factors that could raise concerns about the validity and appropriateness of witnessing the document. The following factors should cause the nurse to question whether to act as a witness:
1. **The nurse is included as a beneficiary in the will.** - This poses a conflict of interest and could undermine the impartiality required for a witness in legal documents.
2. **The nurse did not watch the client sign the will.** - Witnessing a signature generally requires the witness to be present at the time of signing to ensure that the individual is signing freely and without coercion.
3. **A relative is telling the client, "You must sign this document now."** - This raises concerns about coercion or pressure, which might affect the client’s ability to make an informed and voluntary decision.
While the other statements regarding the client's alertness and understanding are positive indicators of the client's capacity to sign the will, the presence of conflicting interests or external pressure is crucial and should be considered more seriously when deciding whether to act as a witness.
1. **The nurse is included as a beneficiary in the will.** - This poses a conflict of interest and could undermine the impartiality required for a witness in legal documents.
2. **The nurse did not watch the client sign the will.** - Witnessing a signature generally requires the witness to be present at the time of signing to ensure that the individual is signing freely and without coercion.
3. **A relative is telling the client, "You must sign this document now."** - This raises concerns about coercion or pressure, which might affect the client’s ability to make an informed and voluntary decision.
While the other statements regarding the client's alertness and understanding are positive indicators of the client's capacity to sign the will, the presence of conflicting interests or external pressure is crucial and should be considered more seriously when deciding whether to act as a witness.