Author Question: An advance directive gives legally binding direction for health care interventions when a patient: ... (Read 48 times)

s.tung · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An advance directive gives legally binding direction for health care interventions when a patient:

a. has a new diagnosis of cancer.
b. is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
c. is unable to make decisions for self because of illness.
d. diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is unable to speak.

Question 2

A patient asks, What advantage does a durable power of attorney for health care have over a living will? The nurse should reply, A durable power of attorney for health care:

a. gives your agent authority to make decisions during any illness if you are incapacitated.
b. can be given only to a relative, usually the next of kin, who has your best interests at heart.
c. can be used only if you have a terminal illness and become incapacitated.
d. cannot be implemented until 30 days after the documents are signed.

ApricotDream · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Advance directives are invoked when patients are unable to make their own health care decisions. The correct response is the most global answer. A diagnosis of cancer or Parkinson's disease does not mean the patient is unable to make a decision. For a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, there are other ways to communicate beyond speaking.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
A durable power of attorney for health care is an instrument that appoints a person other than a health care provider to act as an individual's agent in the event that he or she is unable to make medical decisions. No waiting period is required for it to become effective, and the individual does not have to be terminally ill or incompetent for the person appointed to act on the individual's behalf.