Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

What role does the nurse have in advocating for a patient's best interests when they cannot express their wishes?

1. To ensure that all medical opinions are fully heard

2. To act based only on their own professional judgement

3. To facilitate discussions among the family members

4. To seek additional resources to inform ethical decisions

The correct answer is: To seek additional resources to inform ethical decisions

The role of the nurse in advocating for a patient's best interests, especially when the patient cannot express their wishes, encompasses seeking additional resources to inform ethical decisions. This is crucial because nurses often encounter situations where patients are unable to communicate their preferences due to conditions like unconsciousness or severe cognitive impairment. In such cases, the nurse is responsible for gathering comprehensive information about the patient's medical condition, values, and any previously expressed wishes, including advance directives or conversations with family members. By actively seeking additional resources, such as consulting with interdisciplinary teams, ethics committees, or legal guidelines, the nurse can better understand the ethical implications and make informed decisions that align with the patient's best interests. This role emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practice and multidisciplinary collaboration in ensuring that the patient's rights and preferences are respected, even when they cannot advocate for themselves. In contrast, simply ensuring that all medical opinions are heard does not guarantee that the patient's specific preferences or best interests are prioritized. Acting solely on professional judgment without considering the unique context of the patient's situation can lead to decisions that may not align with their values. Likewise, while facilitating discussions among family members is important, it does not replace the need to seek appropriate resources and guidance for ethical decision-making. This makes understanding and effectively