Gerontology Nursing Questions And Answers PDF Related

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How does guardianship differ from power of attorney?

  • A. The court appoints a guardian; an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on his or her behalf.
  • B. Guardianship is legally binding whether or not an individual is competent; power of attorney applies only to the incompetent.
  • C. Courts monitor the actions of those executing a power of attorney, but guardians are free to act on behalf of another as long as standards of 'reasonable prudence' are met.
  • D. Guardianship stays in effect for one calendar year and must be renewed annually; power of attorney stays in effect until one or both parties choose to revoke it.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The key difference between guardianship and power of attorney is that the court appoints a guardian to make decisions on behalf of an individual who is deemed incompetent, while an individual grants a power of attorney to someone else to make decisions on their behalf when they are competent. Choice B is incorrect because both guardianship and power of attorney can apply to individuals who are competent or incompetent. Choice C is incorrect as guardians, like those with power of attorney, must act in the best interest of the individual they represent, and the level of oversight can vary. Choice D is incorrect as guardianship and power of attorney do not have fixed time limits; they remain in effect until revoked or ended by the appropriate legal process.