An 81-year-old female client was diagnosed one year ago with Alzheimer's disease following a noticeable increase in confusion. She now possesses a durable power of attorney. Which of the following statements most accurately conveys an aspect of this legal arrangement?
- A. The parameters of the arrangement must be revisited if the client's condition declines.
- B. The arrangement was most likely initiated by court order.
- C. The client appointed someone to take care of her affairs in the event that she becomes incompetent.
- D. The family has control of logistical arrangements for the client but must gain court permission around financial affairs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Usually, a power of attorney becomes invalid if the individual granting it becomes incompetent, except in the case of a durable power of attorney. A durable power of attorney allows competent individuals to appoint someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event that they become incompetent. This legal arrangement is recommended for individuals with conditions like Alzheimer's disease where competency decline can be anticipated. It is not initiated by the court, unlike guardianship. A durable power of attorney encompasses both logistical and financial affairs, providing authority to the appointed person to act on behalf of the individual should they become incapacitated. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the purpose and nature of a durable power of attorney in the context of planning for incompetency due to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
You may also like to solve these questions
A local community has a small budget for community health programs aimed specifically toward its black population. Which type of community health program will the nurse recommend as the best use of the budget?
- A. depression screening
- B. meal planning
- C. blood pressure screening
- D. sleep disorder information
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best use of the budget for the black population in the local community would be blood pressure screening. Hypertension is a prevalent health issue among black Americans, occurring at a higher rate than in the white population. Therefore, focusing on blood pressure screening would help in early detection and management of hypertension within this community. Depression screening and sleep disorder information are not the priority as there is not a higher incidence of these conditions in older black clients. Meal planning could be beneficial for clients with diabetes, but it may not be the most critical focus considering the higher prevalence of hypertension among the black population.
A nurse is working in an assisted living facility that has a culturally diverse older adult population. Which statement by the nurse best demonstrates cultural sensitivity?
- A. We need to ensure that both the minority population and the majority population have their health needs met.
- B. It's important to remember that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly.
- C. We need to build our knowledge of clients who belong to cultural and ethnic groups that we're not familiar with.
- D. We need to teach all clients that their health problems are not necessarily the result of punishment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best demonstration of cultural sensitivity by the nurse is reflected in choice C. Building a knowledge base around cultural and ethnic groups is a crucial component of providing culturally sensitive care. Choice A creates an inaccurate dichotomy between 'minority' and 'majority' populations, which is not a culturally sensitive approach. Choice B incorrectly generalizes that minority groups do not usually express their pain explicitly, which is not true for all cultural groups. Choice D suggests imposing a different belief system on clients, which is not culturally sensitive and can undermine trust and rapport with older adult clients.
A nurse at a rehabilitation center is preparing a care plan for a 71-year-old post-stroke patient who has shown significant improvement in function and who is ready to return to the community. In the nurse's efforts to mobilize family caregiving, which of the following statements provides the most accurate criterion for inclusion in the category of 'family'?
- A. The patient's spouse, biological children, and closest friends
- B. Any unpaid person who has expressed sincere interest in the patient's condition and provided hands-on care since his admission to the facility
- C. Anyone who self-identifies as being a member of the patient's family
- D. Any individual who fulfills the patient's family functions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most accurate criterion for inclusion in the category of 'family' when mobilizing family caregiving is identifying individuals who fulfill family functions. Choice D is the correct answer as it emphasizes the importance of individuals who perform essential family functions for the patient. This criterion is crucial as it prioritizes the practical support and care provided by individuals over biological relationships (Choice A), self-identification (Choice C), or willingness to provide care (Choice B), which may not always translate to fulfilling necessary family functions.
Which of the following statements by family caregivers would the nurse consider most indicative of elder abuse?
- A. Mom can't handle her own money anymore, so I've had to take over her banking.
- B. When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair.
- C. My mother says she wants me to do everything for her, but I think it's better if she keeps on doing everything she's still capable of.
- D. I get so frustrated because my father used to be so competent, and now he can't even use a toilet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'When my dad starts wandering around the house, I give him sleeping pills until he calms down and falls asleep in his chair' is most indicative of elder abuse as it involves the inappropriate use of chemical restraints. This practice can harm the elderly and is considered a form of abuse. Choices A, C, and D do not demonstrate elder abuse. Choice A may be a responsible action depending on the circumstances, choice C reflects a positive philosophy of care, and choice D expresses frustration but does not constitute abuse.
Nurse B arrives for his regular night shift at a care facility for the aged. Due to a family emergency, he has only slept for 3 hours since his last shift. One of Nurse B's aides calls in sick, and there is no one available to replace the aide that night. With no help accessible, Nurse B lifts an obese patient from a wheelchair into a bed alone. Short on time and assistance, Nurse B decides to forgo the patient's evening bath. Legally, what does Nurse B most likely face?
- A. Little risk of liability because he is doing his best under difficult circumstances
- B. Immediate termination for dereliction of duty
- C. Liability if a pattern of negligence is identified in his performance evaluation
- D. A high risk of liability for his actions
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, Nurse B faces a high risk of liability for his actions due to several factors. Working with insufficient resources, failing to adhere to policies and procedures, taking shortcuts, and working while highly stressed are all situations that increase the risk of liability. Nurse B's decision to lift an obese patient without assistance and skip the patient's evening bath due to time constraints and lack of help are clear examples of actions that can lead to legal consequences. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the circumstances described in the scenario indicate a higher likelihood of liability due to the factors mentioned above.