Question 1
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about advanced directives. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of this teaching?
- A. I will assess the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures'
- B. I'll decide what's best for the client'
- C. Advance directives are only for the elderly'
- D. The provider writes the advance directive'
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — I will assess the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures'
Advance directives empower clients to dictate future care, requiring their comprehension of options like life-sustaining measures ventilation, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. I will assess the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures' shows the newly licensed nurse grasps this, ensuring clients can make informed choices, a nurse's key role in facilitating directives. Deciding for the client usurps autonomy, contradicting the directive's purpose. Limiting directives to the elderly ignores their applicability across adults, and stating the provider writes them misattributes responsibility clients or proxies do, with provider counseling. Assessing understanding reflects ethical practice, supports self-determination, and prepares the nurse to advocate, indicating a solid grasp of advance directive principles.