The nurse documents that the client has a durable power of attorney for healthcare. What is the best description of a durable power of attorney for healthcare?

Question

A) Document in which the client states the types of treatment desired to receive or not to receive if a terminal situation arises
B) Designates a person of the client's choice to make healthcare decisions should the client become incompetent
C) Document that informs healthcare personnel that if the person experiences cardiopulmonary arrest, a "code blue" should not be called
D) Document in which healthcare personnel are informed not to start tube feeding and to keep the client as comfortable as possible

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
A durable power of attorney for healthcare designates a person of the client's choice to make these healthcare decisions should the client become incompetent. A living will is a document in which clients state the types of treatment they desire to receive or not to receive if a terminal situation arises or if they are unable to make decisions or express their wishes. An individual may have a do not resuscitate (DNR), do not intubate (DNI), or both orders in his or her health record. Healthcare personnel are thus informed that if this person experiences cardiopulmonary arrest, a "code blue" (or the code name for arrest in that facility) should not be called. The use of tube feedings may also be specified as a treatment the client wants or does not want. Clients who are DNR or DNI or who refuse tube feedings will be kept as comfortable as possible and given emotional support.