A nurse is evaluating a newly licensed nurse's understanding of advance directives. The newly licensed nurse should identify that which of the following individuals is responsible for deciding whether a client is capable of making their own decisions regarding medical treatment?

Rationale A. Primary provider: The primary provider is responsible for assessing and determining a client’s decision-making capacity regarding medical treatment. This evaluation includes the client’s ability to understand information, appreciate the consequences of decisions, reason logically, and communicate choices clearly. The determination guides informed consent and advance directive discussions. B. Health care surrogate: A health care surrogate makes decisions only when a client is deemed incapable of making their own medical decisions. The surrogate’s authority is activated after the provider determines the client lacks decision-making capacity. C. Social worker: Social workers provide support, education, and advocacy regarding advance directives and care planning but do not have the legal authority to determine decision-making capacity. They assist in facilitating communication between the client, family, and healthcare team. D. Charge nurse: The charge nurse oversees unit operations and coordinates care but is not responsible for determining a client’s capacity to make medical decisions. This responsibility lies with the provider evaluating the client’s clinical and cognitive status.