An 87-year-old woman has a history of depression and hypothyroidism. She was recently diagnosed as having breast cancer
Her daughter tells her health care provider that her mother cannot participate in decision making about her care because she is too old. Which of the following statements is true about decision-making capacity?
A) Determination of decision-making capacity is based on the older adult's diagnosis and chronologic age.
B) The older adult has decision-making capacity if she understands most of the risks and benefits of medical treatment.
C) The older adult needs to understand the issues involved in decision making and communicate about them.
D) Decision-making capacity of older adults is always determined by a mental health judge.
Ans: C
Decision making should not be determined by the diagnosis or the age of the older adult. The older adult needs to understand all of the risks and benefits of medical treatment. Decision-making capacity is determined by the health care practitioner or by the interdisciplinary team assigned to the client.
You might also like to view...
A 21-year-old Asian client, who has a strong family history of breast cancer, has been tested and found to have mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes
The client's father calls the clinic and asks the nurse to give him the results of the testing done. Which of the following is the appropriate action by the nurse? 1. Explain to the father that the client is the only one who can obtain the results of the testing 2. Give the father the information as the head of the family 3. Call the client and apprise the client of the father's request 4. Ask the physician to give the results to the father
A nurse is working as a faith community nurse. Which of the following best describes the em-phasis of the care that is being provided?
a. Referral to community resources b. Health promotion c. Primary care d. Direct caregiving
The assumptions of story theory are consistent with a ________ worldview
A. Unitary–transformative B. Metaparadigm C. Totality D. Simultaneity
After 3 weeks, you are providing discharge teaching for J.M. you ask her whether she is ready to go home. J.M. states, "I'll be so glad to get out of this place. I'm so fat and ugly
I need to lose 10 pounds. I bet I can do it in just a couple of days. Otherwise, I don't want to live anymore." What will you discuss with the physician before any further discharge teaching or plans? You report J.M.'s statements to the physician. What actions do you expect the physician to take? What medications would be indicated for J.M. to assist with resolution of both her anorexia nervosa and her depression? Which statements by J.M. would indicate successful treatment? Select all that apply. a. "When you say I look 'healthy' I feel fat." b. "Lately I've been feeling a little better about things." c. "It's up to me to take care of my body by eating enough food." d. "I just have to stay skinny to feel good." e. "I am looking forward to going out with my friends again."