What is the best example of the nurse practicing patient advocacy?

• A. Provide information neutrally to all parties
• B. Respect a patient's decision even if the nurse disagrees
• C. Assess the patient's point of view and prepare to articulate it
• D. Do whatever the physician suggests without question

Answer: (C)

Advocacy means actively championing the patient’s rights, preferences, and values in care decisions. The most important element is ensuring the patient’s voice shapes what happens, even when others disagree.

Assessing the patient’s point of view and preparing to articulate it demonstrates advocacy in action. It shows the nurse is listening, clarifying what matters to the patient, and then communicating that perspective to the rest of the health care team. This helps ensure the patient’s autonomy is respected and that the plan of care aligns with the patient’s goals, values, and informed choices.

Providing information to everyone is important for informed consent, but it doesn’t by itself guarantee that the patient’s wishes are heard and reinforced in decisions. Respecting a patient’s decision when the nurse disagrees honors autonomy but doesn’t actively advocate for the patient’s preferences within the team. Following a physician’s suggestion without question undermines patient autonomy and the nurse’s advocacy role.