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."
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.
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When you check on Mrs. Young, you notice that she has only 150 cc of urine in her urinary drainage bag. This is the same amount that was in the drainage bag four hours ago. After checking to see that the tubing does not have any kinks or blockages, what should you do?
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