A charge nurse is teaching a group of nurses about the purpose of a living will. Which of the following information about living wills should the charge nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Coordinating the team and the plan of care is the role of the case manager or the social worker, who can facilitate communication and collaboration among the different disciplines involved in the client's care.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Ordering durable medical equipment for the client's home is the role of the occupational therapist or the physical therapist, who can assess the client's functional needs and abilities and recommend the appropriate devices.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not the nurse's responsibility. Helping the client obtain financial assistance is the role of the social worker or the financial counselor, who can identify the client's eligibility and options for funding and insurance coverage.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because this action is the nurse's responsibility. Performing a dietary assessment is part of the nursing process and the scope of practice of the nurse, who can evaluate the client's nutritional status and needs and provide education and counseling on diet modifications and interventions.

Choice A reason: A living will does not provide protection against malpractice. It is a legal document that expresses the client's wishes regarding medical care in the event of a terminal illness or injury.

Choice B reason: A living will does not designate a health care surrogate to make health care decisions. A health care surrogate is a person who is authorized by the client or the court to make health care decisions for the client when the client is unable to do so.

Choice C reason: A living will does not document that the client gave informed consent. Informed consent is the process of obtaining the client's voluntary agreement to a proposed treatment or procedure after providing adequate information about the benefits, risks, and alternatives.

Choice D reason: A living will allows the client to refuse life-sustaining treatments. This is the main purpose of a living will, as it gives the client the right to self-determination and autonomy over their own body and health.