A nurse is teaching participants at a community center about advance directives. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Assigning a health care surrogate does not always require legal consultation, as forms are often available without attorney involvement. While legal advice can clarify complex cases, it is not mandatory, making this statement misleading and incorrect for general advance directive education. Choice B reason: A health care surrogate makes decisions when the client is incapacitated, as specified in advance directives. This ensures the client’s wishes are followed, aligning with the purpose of surrogacy in healthcare planning, making it accurate and essential information for the teaching session. Choice C reason: Advance directives can be changed at any time by a competent client, provided the changes are documented and communicated. Stating they cannot be changed is incorrect, as flexibility is a key feature, making this misinformation inappropriate for teaching. Choice D reason: Advance directives are generally honored across states, though specific requirements may vary. Stating they are only valid in one state is overly restrictive and incorrect, as reciprocity is common, making this an inaccurate point for advance directive education.