Question

A nurse is serving as a preceptor to a newly licensed nurse and is explaining the role of the nurse as advocate. Which of the following situations illustrates the advocacy role? (Select all that apply)

a. verifying that a client understands what is done during a cardiac cath
b. discussing treatment options for a terminal diagnosis
c. informing members of the health care team that a client has DNR status
d. reporting that a health team member on the previous shift did not provide care as prescribed
e. assisting a client to make a decision about his care based on the nurse's recommendations

Answer 1

The nurse's advocacy role is exemplified through actions such as ensuring client understanding of procedures, discussing treatment options, and conveying legal directives like DNR statuses to the healthcare team, while maintaining patient autonomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of the nurse as an advocate includes a variety of situations where the nurse supports the patient's interests, provides necessary information, ensures patient understanding, and respects the patient's autonomy. Notably, such situations may involve verifying that a client understands what is done during a medical procedure such as a cardiac cath, discussing treatment options for a terminal diagnosis to help a patient make informed decisions, and informing members of the healthcare team about the patient's wishes and legal directives, like a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.

However, while the nurse may assist a client in understanding their options and the implications of their choices, the advocacy role is not about imposing the nurse's recommendations but instead empowering the client to make informed decisions based on their values and wishes.