A Directive is best described as which of the following?

• A. An order for a procedure or series of procedures that may be implemented for a number of clients when specific conditions exist and circumstances are met, written by a health care professional with authority
• B. A client-specific order for a one-time intervention
• C. A directive that is never written
• D. A verbal instruction that applies to one patient only

Answer: (A)

A directive is a standing order or protocol that authorizes a set of procedures to be carried out for multiple patients who meet predefined conditions, and it is written by an appropriately authorized health care professional. This allows caregivers to act quickly and consistently without needing a separate, individualized order for each patient. For example, a standing protocol to administer a standard wound care regimen for patients with a specific type of wound under certain criteria is a directive. It’s written, approved, and applicable to a group of clients, not just one.

The other descriptions describe actions that are client-specific and one-time, or rely on verbal instructions, which do not fit the concept of a directive designed to standardize care across a population of patients.