A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and wishes to discuss hospice care. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates veracity?

A. "My attorney will need to notarize the document."

This statement indicates a misunderstanding of advance directives. Notarization by an attorney is not a requirement for advance directives. While legal advice may be helpful in completing advance directive documents, notarization by an attorney is not necessary for their validity.

B. "I have to choose a member of my family to be my health care surrogate."

This statement is incorrect. While a family member can serve as a health care surrogate if chosen by the individual, there is no requirement to select a family member. The individual can choose any competent adult to act as their health care surrogate, regardless of familial relationship.

C. "Once the form is notarized, it cannot be changed."

This statement is incorrect. Advance directive documents can be changed or revoked at any time by the individual as long as they are of sound mind and able to make decisions. Notarization does not prevent changes or revisions to the document.

D. "My health care surrogate can decide my treatment if I am unable to."

Correct. This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care, is a person chosen by an individual to make medical decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. This includes decisions about medical treatment, procedures, and end-of-life care.

A) Recommend occupational therapy referral for the client: This is the priority action because the client is experiencing difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs) due to left-sided weakness following a cerebrovascular accident. Occupational therapy focuses on improving the client's ability to perform ADLs and regain independence. Referring the client to occupational therapy is essential for maximizing functional ability and promoting recovery.

B) Reinforce teaching about the client's prescribed medications: While medication education is important for overall health management, it is not the priority in this situation. The client's immediate need is assistance with ADLs to address functional deficits resulting from the cerebrovascular accident.

C) Provide the client with a list of community resources: Community resources may be beneficial for the client's long-term care and support, but addressing the immediate need for assistance with ADLs takes precedence. Referring the client to occupational therapy will address the functional limitations more directly and effectively.

D) Encourage the client to discuss nutritional needs with a dietitian: Nutritional needs are important for overall health and recovery, but addressing the client's physical limitations and ADLs is the priority at this time. Once the client's ability to perform ADLs improves, discussions about nutrition can follow as part of a comprehensive care plan.