The nurse caring for a terminally ill client asks if the client has an advance directive. The client states, "I already have a power of attorney." What is the best response by the nurse?

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A power of attorney (POA) designates a representative to act on a person's behalf in the event that the individual becomes incapacitated. There are different types of POAs, including medical and financial. An advance directive or living will describes the client's health care decisions (eg, do not resuscitate). As part of an advance directive, the client may designate a representative to make health care decisions for the client - a durable POA for health care or POA for health care (Canada). This client's statement requires further clarification regarding what type of POA is in place (Option D). (Option A) The nurse should not assume that the client's affairs are in order based on this statement. Further clarification is needed to determine whether the client has made the appropriate arrangements regarding health care decisions. (Option B) Although it is correct that the POA makes decisions for a client only when the client is no longer able to make them, the nurse first needs to determine what type of POA is in place. (Option C) Lawyers can help with end-of-life paperwork, but the priority is to clarify whether the client has the appropriate POA in place. Educational objective: An advance directive makes clear a client's health care wishes (eg, do not resuscitate). A power of attorney (POA) designates a representative to act on a person's behalf. It is important to clarify that the client has the type of POA who can make health care decisions (durable POA for health care, POA for health care [Canada]).

The Nurse Caring for a Terminally Ill Client Asks If