A nurse is providing care to a client who is preparing to undergo surgery. The client inquires about advance directives. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Advance directives are legal documents that allow clients to communicate their healthcare preferences in advance, in case they become unable to make decisions in the future. These may include a living will and designation of a healthcare proxy or durable power of attorney for healthcare. They ensure that the client’s autonomy and treatment wishes are respected during illness or surgical procedures. Nurses play an important role in educating clients about their purpose and encouraging informed decision-making. Rationale: A. Advance directives protect a client’s right to make their own healthcare decisions by clearly documenting their wishes regarding treatment and end-of-life care. They ensure that healthcare providers and family members follow the client’s preferences if the client becomes incapacitated. This statement accurately reflects the purpose of advance directives and supports client autonomy. B. Advance directives do not require approval by a lawyer to be valid in most settings. While legal consultation may help with preparation, many advance directives can be completed using standardized forms and require only proper signing and witnessing. Therefore, this statement is incorrect and may create unnecessary barriers to completion. C. Advance directives are not limited to clients with life-threatening conditions. Any competent adult can complete them at any time, regardless of current health status. They are intended for future planning, not only for those who are critically ill. D. Advance directives are not the same as a consent form for healthcare treatment. Consent forms are used to authorize specific procedures at a given time, while advance directives outline broader preferences for future care decisions. They serve different legal and clinical purposes.