Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about living wills is least accurate?

1. A living will must be written.

2. A living will is made by a competent adult to make known his or her wishes regarding care in terminal illness.

3. A living will may be revoked under certain circumstances.

4. Living wills are always legally binding.

The correct answer is: Living wills are always legally binding.

A living will is a legal document that allows individuals to express their preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may not be able to communicate their wishes, particularly in the context of terminal illness or serious medical conditions. The statement that living wills are always legally binding is the least accurate because, while living wills are designed to guide healthcare providers in accordance with a patient's wishes, their enforceability can vary depending on jurisdiction. Some states may not recognize certain forms of living wills, or they may require specific language or procedures to be followed for them to be legally valid. Additionally, living wills can be challenged in court, rendering them not universally binding in every situation. In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect the nature of living wills. They must be written documents to be valid, are created by competent adults to express specific healthcare preferences, and can typically be revoked by the individual at any time, ensuring that their wishes can change as circumstances evolve.