An older adult client who is cognitively intact and has decision-making capacity makes a decision to stop chemotherapy for breast cancer after being told of further spread of the cancer. The client's daughter is upset at her parent's decision an approaches the nurse and states: "I don't agree with the decision to stop treatments, I am my parent's health care proxy, I want to override that decision." What is the best response by the nurse?
"As the health care proxy, you are the one who makes the decisions. Let's call your mones doctor.
"I understand why you are so upset. I don't think she is doing the right thing either. Let us think together how we can change her mind
You will need to go to court and be declared a guardian"
"Health care proxies only come into play when the individual can no longer make their own decisions. Your mother is able to make her own decisions. I suggest you talk with her."
The Correct Answer is D
A. "As the health care proxy, you are the one who makes the decisions. Let's call your mom's doctor."
Explanation: This response inaccurately suggests that the health care proxy has the authority to make decisions even when the client has decision-making capacity. The focus should be on the client's autonomy.
B. "I understand why you are so upset. I don't think she is doing the right thing either. Let us think together how we can change her mind."
Explanation: This response is inappropriate as it involves the nurse expressing a personal opinion and attempting to influence the client's decision. The nurse's role is to support the client's autonomy and facilitate communication between the client and their family.
C. "You will need to go to court and be declared a guardian."
Explanation: Involving the court and seeking guardianship is not warranted when the client has decision-making capacity. This option is not aligned with the principles of respecting the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity.
D. "Health care proxies only come into play when the individual can no longer make their own decisions. Your mother is able to make her own decisions. I suggest you talk with her."
Explanation: In this scenario, the client is cognitively intact and has decision-making capacity. As long as the older adult is able to make their own decisions, the health care proxy's role is not activated. The nurse appropriately advises the daughter to communicate directly with her mother about her concerns and decisions. This respects the autonomy of the client, who has the right to make decisions about their own healthcare as long as they have the capacity to do so.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. Right to visitation from others except legal advisors, who must obtain permission from the nursing facility before visiting the older adult
Explanation: The right to receive visitors is generally protected, with some reasonable restrictions, to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
B. Right to be free from restraints
Explanation: Residents have the right to be free from unnecessary physical or chemical restraints, as outlined in their Bill of Rights. Restraints should only be used when necessary for the safety of the resident or others, and their use should be minimized.
C. Right to have a say in their care and treatment
Explanation: Residents have the right to actively participate in decisions about their care and treatment. This includes being informed about their options and having the opportunity to express their preferences.
D. Right to voice grievances
Explanation: Residents have the right to voice complaints or grievances without fear of retaliation. The nursing home must have a system in place to address and resolve residents' concerns.
E. "Right to information about their health but not about their medications" is not accurate. Residents have the right to be informed about all aspects of their health, including information about medications prescribed to them. Information about medications is an important component of informed consent and shared decision-making.
F. Right to be free from abuse
Explanation: Residents have the right to be free from any form of abuse, whether it is physical, verbal, psychological, or any other form. Nursing homes must take measures to prevent and address any instances of abuse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Because a conservatorship is the least restrictive alternative, a court hearing is not required.
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Conservatorships are legal arrangements that involve the appointment of a conservator to manage the financial affairs and assets of an individual who is unable to do so themselves. While conservatorships may be necessary for the protection of the individual, they are not automatically considered the least restrictive alternative, and a court hearing is typically required to establish one.
B. The most legally restricting way individuals and property can be handled are through conservatorships and guardianships.
Explanation: This statement is partially true. Conservatorships and guardianships are legal mechanisms that grant authority to individuals (conservators and guardians, respectively) to manage the affairs of someone who is unable to do so themselves. While they involve legal restrictions, whether they are the most restrictive or not can depend on the specific details of the arrangement and the jurisdiction.
C. A conservatorship entails control over property, whereas a guardianship entails control over the person.
Explanation: This statement is true. In general, a conservatorship focuses on managing the financial affairs and assets of an individual, while a guardianship involves decision-making authority over personal and healthcare matters. The roles and responsibilities of conservators and guardians may vary by jurisdiction, but the distinction between control over property and control over the person is a common principle.
D. Conservators cannot be members of the conservatee's (client's) family.
Explanation: This statement is not universally true. In many cases, family members can be appointed as conservators. The court will typically consider the best interests of the individual in need of protection when appointing a conservator, and a family member may be deemed suitable if they can fulfill the responsibilities of the role. The specific rules regarding who can be a conservator may vary by jurisdiction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.