A patient with whom the nurse is discussing advance directives asks, "What advantage does a durable power of attorney for health care have over a living will?" The nurse should reply that a durable power of attorney for health care:
a. "Gives your agent the authority to make decisions about your care if you are unable to during any illness."
b. "Can be given only to a relative, usually the next of kin, who has your best interests at heart."
c. "Authorizes your physician to make decisions about your care that are in your best interest."
d. "Can be used only if you have a terminal illness and become incapacitated."
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. The patient does not have to be terminally ill or incompetent for the appointed person to act on his or her behalf.
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