Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 72%
Simulated
A nurse on a medica-surgical unit is caring for a client who asks about advance directives and states that he wants to appoint a health care proxy. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: "A health care proxy can make decisions for you when you are unable to do so." This response is correct because a health care proxy is a person chosen by an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This choice acknowledges the purpose and role of a health care proxy in ensuring that the client's wishes are carried out when they are incapacitated.
The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:
A: "You must choose a member of your family to serve as your health care proxy." This is incorrect because a health care proxy can be anyone chosen by the individual, not necessarily a family member.
C: "You should appoint a health care proxy before undergoing an invasive procedure." This is incorrect as a health care proxy should be appointed regardless of any upcoming medical procedures.
D: "It is necessary for an attorney to approve your health care proxy." This is incorrect as the appointment of a health care proxy does not require approval
The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:
A: "You must choose a member of your family to serve as your health care proxy." This is incorrect because a health care proxy can be anyone chosen by the individual, not necessarily a family member.
C: "You should appoint a health care proxy before undergoing an invasive procedure." This is incorrect as a health care proxy should be appointed regardless of any upcoming medical procedures.
D: "It is necessary for an attorney to approve your health care proxy." This is incorrect as the appointment of a health care proxy does not require approval