Question

A nurse is caring for a client who asks about the purpose of advance directives. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. "Advance directives ensure your family makes decisions for you."
B. "They guarantee that your healthcare wishes will be followed."
C. "Advance directives are only needed for terminal illnesses."
D. "They primarily focus on financial matters during illness."

Answer 1

Advance directives express healthcare preferences for when someone is incapacitated, and may include a DNR order or designate a health care proxy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of advance directives is to communicate a person's healthcare preferences in case they become unable to make decisions for themselves due to incapacitation. Advance directives are not solely for terminal illnesses, nor do they focus primarily on financial matters. Instead, they detail interventions a person wants or does not want, such as life-extending treatments, and may include a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order or the appointment of a health care proxy to make decisions on the person's behalf. Thus, the correct statement the nurse should make is: "They guarantee that your healthcare wishes will be followed," emphasizing the intent of these legal documents to uphold the individual's personal healthcare choices.