Which of the following BEST describes an advance directive?

Choice A rationale
Correcting the physician’s orders to match the chart is not within the nurse’s scope of practice. Nurses should not alter physician orders.
Choice B rationale
Ignoring the discrepancy is not appropriate. Nurses have a responsibility to ensure patient safety and accurate documentation.
Choice C rationale
Documenting the discrepancy but taking no further action does not address the potential risk to patient safety. Further action is necessary.
Choice D rationale
Documenting the discrepancy and notifying the physician is the correct course of action. This ensures that the physician is aware of the issue and can make any necessary corrections.

Choice A rationale
A 5-year-old patient admitted yesterday with pneumonia may require frequent assessments and interventions that are within the scope of practice for an LPN. However, the complexity of care for a newly admitted patient with a potentially unstable condition may be better suited for an RN.
Choice B rationale
A 78-year-old female with osteoporosis who needs assistance performing range of motion exercises and ambulating with a walker can be managed by an LPN. These tasks are within the LPN’s scope of practice and do not require the higher level of assessment and decision-making skills of an RN.
Choice C rationale
A 78-year-old patient newly admitted with congestive heart failure requires complex assessments, monitoring, and interventions that are within the scope of practice for an RN. The RN’s advanced skills and knowledge are necessary to manage the patient’s condition effectively.
Choice D rationale
A 34-year-old patient post knee arthroscopy who requires reinforced crutch walking can be managed by an LPN. These tasks are within the LPN’s scope of practice and do not require the higher level of assessment and decision-making skills of an RN.