Question

A nurse documents on a client's electronic chart that the client has an advance directive, makes a copy of the advance directive, and immediately informs the client's physician. Which role is the nurse demonstrating?

1) Researcher
2) Leader
3) Counselor
4) Advocate

Answer 1

The nurse is demonstrating the role of an advocate by documenting and sharing the client's advance directive, ensuring the patient's healthcare preferences are respected.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse documents a client's advance directive, makes a copy of it, and informs the client's physician, the nurse is acting primarily as an advocate. In the healthcare setting, advocacy is a fundamental aspect of nursing where nurses support and promote the interests of their patients. An advance directive is a crucial legal document as it contains the client's wishes regarding medical treatments they do or do not want to receive in scenarios where they might be incapacitated. By ensuring that the advance directive is noted and recognized within the client's medical records and by the primary physician, the nurse safeguards the patient's healthcare preferences and legal rights.