Which statement best describes the nurse's role in advance directives?

• A. Reassure client and family can change decision if competent
• B. Physicians must always decide even if patient has directives
• C. Ignore advance directives
• D. Refuse to discuss with family

Answer: (A)

Advance directives gather a patient’s preferences for future care and, when possible, designate who should decide if the patient cannot. The nurse’s role is to support the patient’s autonomy by providing information, clarifying options, and ensuring the directives are known and accessible to the care team. The statement that best describes this role emphasizes that a competent patient can change or revoke their decision whenever they have capacity, and the nurse should reassure and facilitate that ongoing choice. This respects the patient’s rights and ensures care aligns with current wishes.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: directives guide care and must be honored rather than overridden; clinicians shouldn’t decide simply because directives exist, and ignoring directives would violate patient autonomy. Likewise, refusing to discuss advance directives with the family undermines communication and collaborative planning that helps ensure the patient’s wishes are understood and followed.