An older client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. The client has a court appointed conservator who manages her finances. The nurse understands what fact about the situation?
The conservator will function in the same capacity as a health care proxy
This client does not have the capacity to give informed consent for any procedures
The presence of a conservator does not mean the client cannot give informed consent
The needs to provide all educational materials to the conservator instead of the client
The Correct Answer is C
A. The conservator will function in the same capacity as a health care proxy.
Explanation: A conservator and a health care proxy serve different roles. A conservator is appointed by a court to manage financial affairs, while a health care proxy is designated to make medical decisions on behalf of the individual if they are unable to do so. These roles are not interchangeable.
B. This client does not have the capacity to give informed consent for any procedures.
Explanation: The presence of a conservator alone does not automatically indicate a lack of capacity to give informed consent. Capacity for making healthcare decisions is determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on the client's cognitive and decision-making abilities.
C. The presence of a conservator does not mean the client cannot give informed consent.
Explanation: Having a court-appointed conservator to manage finances does not automatically imply that the client lacks the capacity to provide informed consent for medical procedures. The ability to make healthcare decisions, including giving informed consent, is distinct from financial capacity. Even if a conservator is appointed for financial matters, the client may still have the capacity to participate in decisions related to their health and medical treatment.
D. The nurse needs to provide all educational materials to the conservator instead of the client.
Explanation: Educational materials related to the client's healthcare should be provided directly to the client whenever possible. While the conservator may be involved in financial matters, the client should still receive relevant information regarding their health and medical care.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Use of drugs results in minimal improvement in appetite and weight gain and can have some serious side effects."
Explanation: It is important for the nurse to provide accurate and balanced information about the use of drugs to stimulate appetite. While there are medications available that may be prescribed to improve appetite in certain situations, it is crucial to convey that the effectiveness of such drugs is limited, and they can also have potential serious side effects. Additionally, the decision to use appetite-stimulating drugs should be carefully considered, taking into account the individual's overall health, medical conditions, and potential risks associated with the medications.
B. "There are no drugs that impact appetite or weight gain."
Explanation: This statement is not accurate, as there are medications that may impact appetite and weight gain. However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of such medications should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
C. "These drugs are not permitted to be used in a long term care facility."
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. The use of appetite-stimulating drugs may be permitted in long-term care facilities, but their use is typically based on individual assessment and consideration of potential risks and benefits.
D. "Yes, there are some very effective drugs out there. Your mother should be on one of them."
Explanation: This statement oversimplifies the decision-making process and may not provide adequate information about the potential risks and benefits of appetite-stimulating drugs. The decision to use such drugs should be made in consultation with the healthcare team, considering the individual's specific circumstances.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
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