Which nursing intervention demonstrates advocacy for an older adult client?

Which nursing intervention demonstrates advocacy for an older adult client?

• A. Encouraging the client to participate in physical therapy
• B. Discussing advanced directives with family members
• C. Informing the physician of the client's concerns
• D. Educating nursing staff on the client's preferences

Answer: (C)

Advocacy in nursing involves supporting and defending the rights and interests of patients. When considering the options, informing the physician of the client's concerns demonstrates a proactive approach to advocacy. By communicating the client’s worries or needs to the physician, the nurse ensures that the client’s voice is heard in the healthcare decision-making process. This action upholds the patient's right to participate in their care and ensures that their preferences and concerns are taken into account when treatment plans are being developed. In this context, the other options, while still related to patient care, do not directly exemplify advocacy in the same way. Encouraging participation in physical therapy promotes the client’s well-being but does not necessarily advocate for their specific preferences or concerns. Discussing advanced directives with family members is important for planning but primarily involves relatives rather than focusing on the client’s voice. Educating nursing staff on the client's preferences is a supportive action, yet informing the physician about the client’s concerns directly influences the clinical decisions affecting the client’s care. Thus, the chosen answer best represents a fundamental aspect of advocacy in nursing practice.

Advocacy in nursing involves supporting and defending the rights and interests of patients. When considering the options, informing the physician of the client's concerns demonstrates a proactive approach to advocacy. By communicating the client’s worries or needs to the physician, the nurse ensures that the client’s voice is heard in the healthcare decision-making process. This action upholds the patient's right to participate in their care and ensures that their preferences and concerns are taken into account when treatment plans are being developed.

In this context, the other options, while still related to patient care, do not directly exemplify advocacy in the same way. Encouraging participation in physical therapy promotes the client’s well-being but does not necessarily advocate for their specific preferences or concerns. Discussing advanced directives with family members is important for planning but primarily involves relatives rather than focusing on the client’s voice. Educating nursing staff on the client's preferences is a supportive action, yet informing the physician about the client’s concerns directly influences the clinical decisions affecting the client’s care. Thus, the chosen answer best represents a fundamental aspect of advocacy in nursing practice.