A nurse is discussing advance directives with a newly admitted client. Which of the following statements by the nurse demonstrates appropriate client education?

When educating a client about advance directives, the nurse must provide accurate, clear information to support informed decision-making. Stating that an advance directive ensures healthcare wishes are followed even if the client cannot communicate them is a correct and essential teaching point — this is precisely the purpose of an advance directive. It preserves patient autonomy when the individual loses the ability to speak for themselves, such as during unconsciousness or severe cognitive decline. Two of the remaining options contain identical incorrect information: claiming that a durable power of attorney for healthcare handles financial affairs is factually wrong. A durable power of attorney for healthcare — also called a healthcare proxy — specifically addresses medical decisions, not financial matters. Financial affairs are managed by a general or financial durable power of attorney, which is a separate legal instrument. The statement that an advance directive cannot be changed once signed is also incorrect; clients retain the right to revoke or modify advance directives at any time while they still have decision-making capacity. Accurate education about advance directives is a legal and ethical obligation, and correcting these common misconceptions empowers clients to make informed, autonomous choices about their future care.