2
Jack presents
to ED
to ED
| PART 1 |
Jack presents to ED
Jack’s daughter brings him to the Emergency Department
as his carer.
eat and drink, has reduced urine output, and is complaining of tiredness
and dizziness.
impairment due to dementia”, but he manages his activities of daily living
with supervision, and mobilises with a walking frame.
uncommunicative.
commence a fluid output chart.
She says she is a nurse; she knows her father is severely dehydrated,
as his carer.
eat and drink, has reduced urine output, and is complaining of tiredness
and dizziness.
impairment due to dementia”, but he manages his activities of daily living
with supervision, and mobilises with a walking frame.
uncommunicative.
commence a fluid output chart.
She says she is a nurse; she knows her father is severely dehydrated,
Jack is a 78 year old man who lives in his own home with his daughter Coral as his carer. Coral brings Jack to the Emergency Department because he is refusing to eat and drink, has reduced urine output, and is complaining of tiredness and dizziness. Coral provides Jack’s medical history and states he has “mild cognitive impairment due to dementia”, but he manages his activities of daily living with supervision, and mobilises with a walking frame.
On examination Jack looks cachectic and frail. He is alert but quiet and uncommunicative. The initial plan is for blood tests and supervised oral fluids, and to commence a fluid output chart. Coral disagrees with the plan. She says she is a nurse; she knows her father is severely dehydrated, and insists he requires urgent intra-venous fluids for the dehydration. She states: “I am Jack’s ‘power of attorney’ and I’m the person who makes decisions about his health care”.
Power of Attorney
Can a power of attorney make healthcare decisions on behalf of a patient to whom they are appointed?
INCORRECT
In NSW, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person to nominate one or more persons to act on their behalf. A Power of Attorney gives the authority to manage the legal and financial affairs of the person. In NSW, a Power of Attorney cannot be used to make decisions about a person’s lifestyle or healthcare.
CORRECT
In NSW, a Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows a person to nominate one or more persons to act on their behalf. A Power of Attorney gives the authority to manage the legal and financial affairs of the person. In NSW, a Power of Attorney cannot be used to make decisions about a person’s lifestyle or healthcare.