Explaining Advance Directives Accurately

Psychosocial Needs · Question from the ATI PN Fundamentals 2023 Proctored Exam study set

Correct answer: "Your advance directives will determine your care if you are unable to make decisions."

Why this is the answer

This response accurately and simply explains the purpose of advance directives without inserting the nurse's personal opinion.

The bigger concept

Advance directives (living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care) let a competent adult state their wishes ahead of time. The nurse's role is to ask whether one exists, ensure a copy is on the chart, and explain their purpose without advising the client what to choose. Statements that push a decision, share a personal opinion, or imply the directive limits all treatment are the wrong answers.

Related Psychosocial Needs practice questions

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• End-of-Life Care Conversation: What to Say First
• Responding to 'I Don't Know What to Expect'
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