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?

a) Advocate
b) Educator
c) Manager
d) Collaborator

Answer 1

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

Step-by-step explanation:

When a nurse documents on a client's electronic chart that the client has an advance directive, makes a copy of it and informs the client's physician, the nurse displays the role of an advocate. This action is a demonstration of the nurse's commitment to upholding the client's wishes regarding their healthcare decisions, especially in situations where the client might be unable to communicate their preferences themselves. An advance directive can include a living will, a DNR Order, or a health care proxy, all of which express a patient's wishes concerning medical treatment and care.

By ensuring that the advance directive is documented and recognized, the nurse ensures that the client's specific wishes are known and can be followed by healthcare professionals. This advocacy can be influenced by the patient's religion, culture, and upbringing, which play an important role in their end-of-life decisions.