power of attorney
POW-er uv uh-TUR-nee noun Spanish poder notarial
A legal paper that names someone to make decisions for another person.
- Spanish
- poder notarial
What it means
A durable power of attorney for health care names a person (an agent or health care proxy) to make medical decisions if the client cannot. A financial power of attorney covers money and property. It is one kind of advance directive. The short form POA is also used for "present on admission", so write the words out.
For the nurse
Check whether the client has an advance directive or a health care power of attorney, put a copy in the chart, and turn to the named agent only when the client cannot decide for themselves.
Words that go with it
Read these next: they turn up in the same notes, orders and questions.
in-FORMD kun-SENTA person's agreement to a treatment or procedure, given freely after the risks, benefits and other choices have been explained to them.
advocateAD-vuh-kayt (verb), AD-vuh-kit (noun)To speak up and act for a client's rights, safety and wishes; also, a person who does this.
autonomyaw-TON-uh-meeA person's right to make their own choices about their body and their care.
A client’s heart rate is 128 beats per minute an hour after surgery. Which finding is the most likely cause of the tachycardia?
tak-ih-KAR-dee-uhA heart rate faster than normal; in an adult, more than 100 beats per minute.
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