Question

A patient is scheduled for surgery. When getting ready to obtain the informed consent, the patient tells the nurse, "I have no idea what is going to happen. I couldn't ask any questions." The nurse does not allow the patient to sign the permit and notifies the health care provider of the situation. Which role is the nurse displaying?

1) Clinical Nurse Specialist
2) Patient Educator
3) Patient Advocate
4) Manager

Answer 1

The nurse is acting as a Patient Advocate by ensuring that the patient fully understands the surgery before signing the informed consent form, thereby upholding the principle of autonomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse in the scenario is displaying the role of a Patient Advocate. Informed consent is a crucial aspect of patient care that ensures patients understand the nature of their treatment, the potential risks involved, and the outcomes that can be expected. As a patient advocate, the nurse ensures that the principle of autonomy is respected by preventing the patient from signing the consent form without a proper understanding of the surgery. By doing this, the nurse is protecting the patient from possible exploitation and upholding ethical standards in medical practice. It is essential for patients to have a transparent and open channel of communication with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions about their care.