A nurse is providing teaching to a client about advance directive. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A “Once I sign my living will, a family member must co-sign it.”
B “My durable power of attorney for health care is part of my advance directives.”
C “I will wait until I have a serious health problem to sign my advance directives.”
D “My doctor will need to provide approval for the decisions outlined in my living will.”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B: “My durable power of attorney for health care is part of my advance directives.”
Explanation:
Advance directives are legal documents that allow individuals to outline their preferences for medical care in case they become unable to communicate their wishes themselves. They play a crucial role in ensuring that a person’s healthcare decisions are respected, even if they are incapacitated. There are primarily two types of advance directives: living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care (also known as healthcare proxies).
- Living Will: This document specifies the types of medical treatments an individual wishes or does not wish to receive in situations where they are unable to communicate their preferences due to a serious illness or injury. It typically addresses issues like life support and resuscitation.
- Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care: This document designates an individual, known as a healthcare proxy or agent, to make medical decisions on the person’s behalf if they become unable to do so themselves. This person is trusted to make healthcare decisions in line with the individual’s wishes and values.
Analysis of the Options:
- Option A (“Once I sign my living will, a family member must co-sign it.”): This statement is incorrect. A living will does not require a family member to co-sign it. While some states may have specific requirements regarding witnesses or notarization, a family member is not a mandatory co-signer.
- Option B (“My durable power of attorney for health care is part of my advance directives.”): This is the correct statement. A durable power of attorney for health care is indeed a part of advance directives. It complements a living will by appointing someone to make healthcare decisions if the individual is unable to do so.
- Option C (“I will wait until I have a serious health problem to sign my advance directives.”): This statement reflects a misunderstanding. Advance directives should be completed and signed before any serious health issues arise. The purpose is to ensure that decisions are made in advance, according to one’s preferences, before an acute situation makes it difficult to articulate those wishes.
- Option D (“My doctor will need to provide approval for the decisions outlined in my living will.”): This statement is incorrect. A living will does not require a doctor’s approval to be valid. It is a personal document that reflects the individual’s wishes, and healthcare providers are expected to follow it, provided it complies with legal requirements.
In summary, a durable power of attorney for health care is a key component of advance directives, making Option B the correct answer.