A nurse on a telemetry unit is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has pulmonary edema. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. "My attorney will need to notarize the document."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of advance directives. Notarization by an attorney is not a requirement for advance directives. While legal advice may be helpful in completing advance directive documents, notarization by an attorney is not necessary for their validity.

B. "I have to choose a member of my family to be my health care surrogate."

This statement is incorrect. While a family member can serve as a health care surrogate if chosen by the individual, there is no requirement to select a family member. The individual can choose any competent adult to act as their health care surrogate, regardless of familial relationship.

C. "Once the form is notarized, it cannot be changed."

This statement is incorrect. Advance directive documents can be changed or revoked at any time by the individual as long as they are of sound mind and able to make decisions. Notarization does not prevent changes or revisions to the document.

D. "My health care surrogate can decide my treatment if I am unable to."

Correct. This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is a person chosen by an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This includes decisions about medical treatment, procedures, and end-of-life care.

A. Delegate low-skilled tasks to assistive personnel.

Delegating low-skilled tasks to assistive personnel is not consistent with the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse assumes responsibility for providing comprehensive care to a smaller number of patients rather than delegating tasks to others. The nurse remains directly involved in all aspects of patient care, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

B. Receive cross-training in multiple departments

Receiving cross-training in multiple departments may be beneficial in some healthcare settings but is not a characteristic of the total patient care delivery method. This model focuses on nurses providing individualized care to a specific group of patients within their assigned unit. Cross-training in multiple departments would not align with this model, as it could lead to divided attention and potentially compromise the quality of care provided.

C. Perform a specific nursing task for a group of clients.

Performing a specific nursing task for a group of clients is not consistent with the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive care to a smaller number of patients, rather than focusing on specific tasks for multiple patients. Each patient's care is individualized and encompasses all aspects of nursing care, not just specific tasks.

D. Provide complete care for a caseload of clients.

Providing complete care for a caseload of clients is characteristic of the total patient care delivery method. In this model, the nurse assumes responsibility for the holistic care of a smaller number of patients during each shift. This approach allows for continuity of care, fosters therapeutic nurse-patient relationships, and promotes better patient outcomes.