An elderly client visits the clinic for an annual examination, which includes updating the client's advance care plan. When assessing the client's advance care planning needs, which topics should the nurse discuss? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Advance care planning is an ongoing process that should be revisited yearly and after changes in condition. Legal documentation is needed to ensure that the client's advance care plan is carried out correctly. Advance care planning documents may include the following: A health care proxy (durable power of attorney for health care or medical power of attorney) is a person appointed by the client to make decisions on behalf of the client. The proxy document only goes into effect when the health care team determines that the client lacks the capacity to make decisions. This should be deactivated if the client regains decision-making capacity. A living will is an advanced directive describing the type of life-sustaining treatments (eg, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation, feeding tube) that the client wants initiated if unable to make decisions. (Option A) The financial power of attorney form can help clients having difficulty managing financial affairs and needing someone to help; however, it is not part of the advance care planning process. (Option C) The client must choose a beneficiary for life insurance policies; however, life insurance is not part of the advance care plan. (Option E) A safe deposit box can be a good place to ensure that legal documents are stored safely. It is not part of the advance care planning process. Educational objective: Advance care planning allows the client to determine desired treatments (eg, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intubation, mechanical ventilation) and decision makers in the event the client is unable to do so. Advanced directives are legal documents outlining these wishes and include living wills and health care proxies (durable powers of attorney for health care or medical power or attorney).

An Elderly Client Visits the Clinic for an Annual Examination