Which situations would prompt the health care team to use the client's advance directive to make a decision regarding care? Select all that apply.

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Advance directives give people the chance to make decisions about their medical treatment ahead of time in case they are unable to personally make their wishes known. The 2 most common forms are living wills and durable power of attorney for health care (health care surrogate/proxy). A client who is alert and oriented can directly address a health care decision. Clients in a coma (GCS score ≤7) or with expressive aphasia would need an advance directive to make treatment decisions because they cannot directly express their wishes. Aphasia involves the inability to express thoughts and comprehend language due to brain dysfunction and includes both verbalizing and writing (Options B and D). (Option A) Mental capacity is not affected in spinal cord compression. The client is able to speak. (Option C) An adult who is mentally capable of making decisions has the right to refuse treatment for any reason at any time whether the health care provider believes it is in the client's best interest or not. (Option E) A client who is oriented can make and communicate decisions for him/herself although unable to verbalize. The client could nod or write out wishes. Educational objective: Advance directives take effect when the client is unable to speak for him/herself due to such conditions as mental incapacity. Aphasia involves the inability to express thoughts and comprehend language due to brain dysfunction and includes both verbalizing and writing.

Which Situations Would Prompt the Health Care Team to Use