Give an example of nurse as patient advocate.

• A. Speaking up to ensure a patient’s preferences are honored when the patient is able to advocate for themselves.
• B. Ignoring family input to avoid delaying care.
• C. Assisting the patient with their financial concerns.
• D. Speaking up to ensure a patient's preferences are honored or safety concerns are addressed when the patient cannot advocate for themselves.

Answer: (D)

Advocacy in nursing means standing up for a patient’s rights, values, and safety, especially when the patient can’t speak for themselves. The strongest example here is speaking up to ensure a patient’s preferences are honored or safety concerns are addressed when the patient cannot advocate for themselves. This includes honoring previously stated wishes or advance directives, collaborating with family or a surrogate decision-maker, ensuring informed consent and privacy, and intervening to prevent harm or unsafe care.

Speaking up for a patient who can advocate on their own fits advocacy too, but it doesn’t address a situation where the patient cannot voice preferences. Ignoring family input undermines advocacy entirely, and helping with financial concerns is important holistic care but not the core act of protecting the patient’s stated wishes and safety when they’re unable to speak for themselves.