American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ANCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

When the advanced directive of a patient is unavailable during an emergency, the appropriate action for a nurse is to follow standard protocol for treatment until directives can be reviewed. This approach prioritizes the immediate needs of the patient, especially in a life-threatening situation where timely medical intervention can significantly impact outcomes. Emergency situations often require nurses and healthcare professionals to act quickly to stabilize a patient, and standard practices are established to ensure the delivery of care under these circumstances.

Adhering to standard protocol allows healthcare providers to provide necessary treatment while still remaining compliant with legal and ethical expectations. Once the situation is stabilized, efforts can be made to retrieve the advanced directive to ensure that any ongoing care aligns with the patient's wishes.

Other options, such as intubating the patient immediately without considering the patient’s wishes or calling for legal counsel which could delay critical care, would not serve the patient’s immediate health needs. Refusing any treatment until the directive is found could lead to serious harm, especially if the patient requires urgent care. Therefore, following established protocols ensures the provision of care that is immediate, necessary, and ultimately in the best interest of the patient while still respecting their rights and wishes as soon as they become known.