A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and asks the nurse, "Who should get a copy of my advance directives?" Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "You only need to provide a copy to your family." While family members should have a copy, they are not the only ones who need it. Healthcare providers and legal representatives should also have access. B. "Advance directives are not needed for individuals who have a mental illness." Clients with mental illness can and should have advance directives, especially regarding psychiatric treatment preferences. C. "Giving you legal advice about advance directives is outside my scope of practice." While nurses cannot provide legal advice, they can educate clients on the importance of advance directives and who should receive a copy. D. "You should provide a copy to your providers, family members, and lawyer." Advance directives should be shared with healthcare providers, family members, and legal representatives to ensure they are followed in case of a crisis.