Question

A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal diagnosis and whose health is declining. The client requests information about advance directives. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

1) Explain the purpose and benefits of advance directives.
2) Provide the client with a list of local attorneys who specialize in advance directives.
3) Tell the client that advance directives are not necessary in their situation.
4) Suggest that the client discuss advance directives with their family members.

Answer 1

The nurse should explain the purpose and benefits of advance directives, which are written legal documents that allow individuals to specify their healthcare wishes in case they become unable to communicate.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client requests information about advance directives, the nurse should respond by explaining the purpose and benefits of advance directives. Advance directives are written legal documents that allow individuals to specify their healthcare wishes in case they become unable to communicate. These directives include living wills, which detail specific interventions an individual wants, DNR orders, which indicate that medical personnel should not revive or resuscitate the patient, and health care proxies, which designate a person to make medical decisions on the individual's behalf.