What is the primary purpose of a Healthcare Proxy?

Choice A rationale
Encouraging the patient to rely on their knowledge is not sufficient. Patients may not have the necessary understanding or skills to manage a new medication safely. It is important for the nurse to provide comprehensive education on the medication.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the medication administration technique with the patient ensures they understand how to take the medication correctly. This includes the dosage, timing, and any specific instructions related to the medication. Proper education helps prevent medication errors and promotes adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Choice C rationale
Instructing the patient to avoid contacting healthcare providers with questions is incorrect. Patients should be encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers if they have any questions or concerns about their medication. This ensures they have the support they need to manage their medication safely.
Choice D rationale
Providing the patient with written instructions only is not sufficient. While written instructions are helpful, they should be supplemented with verbal education and a demonstration if necessary. This ensures the patient fully understands how to take their medication and can ask questions if needed.

Choice A rationale
Notifying the surgeon and clarifying the discrepancy before proceeding is crucial to ensure patient safety. The time-out procedure is designed to prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-person surgeries. Any discrepancy must be resolved to avoid potential harm to the patient.
Choice B rationale
Proceeding with the planned procedure as written without addressing the discrepancy can lead to serious errors, such as performing surgery on the wrong site or patient. This action is not aligned with the safety protocols established by the Joint Commission.
Choice C rationale
Discussing the discrepancy with the patient after the surgery does not prevent the error from occurring. The purpose of the time-out procedure is to catch and correct any discrepancies before the surgery begins.
Choice D rationale
Ignoring the discrepancy as it is not significant undermines the entire purpose of the time-out procedure, which is to ensure all details are correct before proceeding with surgery. Even seemingly minor discrepancies can lead to major errors.