The daughter of a patient who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer asks which documents are required to allow her to make health care decisions for her parent. Which response would provide the most information to the daughter?
a. Advance directives indicate the degree of intervention desired by the patient.
b. A ‘Do Not Resuscitate' document signed by the patient transfers authority to the next of kin.
c. A durable power of attorney for health care transfers decision-making authority for health care to a designated person.
d. A living will transfers authority to the physician.
ANS: C
A durable power of attorney for health care transfers the authority for decision making to a designated person. An advance directive specifies the type of care an individual desires when he cannot speak for himself. The durable power of attorney is only one type of advance directive. A "Do Not Resuscitate" document states that the patient wishes to die naturally with no intervention. A living will prohibits the use of life-prolonging measures.
You might also like to view...
A 52-year-old patient describes the presence of occasional floaters or spots moving in front of his eyes. The nurse should:
a. Examine the retina to determine the number of floaters. b. Presume the patient has glaucoma and refer him for further testing. c. Consider these to be abnormal findings, and refer him to an ophthalmologist. d. Know that floaters are usually insignificant and are caused by condensed vitreous fibers.
When caring for a 6-year-old child from Southeast Asia with enuresis, the nurse observes several areas of small burns that are healing. The nurse should inquire:
a. "Has your child hurt himself?" b. "What methods have you tried to stop his bedwetting?" c. "What are these burns?" d. "How long has this been going on?"
An older adult client is experiencing anxiety. Which anxiolytic drug would the nurse identify as being relatively safe to administer to this client at a normal dose? Select all that apply
A) Buspirone B) Lorazepam C) Oxazepam D) Alprazolam E) Diazepam
A new cancer center is being built in the local hospital. A patient survey has revealed that patients are not certain which caregiver is the registered nurse during their hospital stay
A group is formed to recommend methods to help patients identify which caregiver is their registered nurse for the new cancer center. Which of the following group best represents those that should be involved in forming recommendations? a. Chief medical officer, public relations vice-president, and human resources b. Oncology clinical nurse specialist, nurse's aides, and registered nurses c. Physicians, unit secretaries, and vice-president of finance d. Vice-president of nursing, decentralized pharmacist, and licensed practical nurses