The nurse is assigned to care for a client admitted to the hospital with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which medication does the nurse anticipate to decrease this client’s risk for developing a respiratory infection?

This demonstrates advocacy for client rights because it respects the client’s autonomy, dignity, and preferences. It also helps the client to make informed decisions about their own health.

Choice B is wrong because telling the client that refusal of the medication is considered noncompliance is coercive and violates the client’s right to refuse treatment.

It also does not address the client’s reasons for refusing the medication or provide any information or education.

Choice C is wrong because informing the client that the medication is the same as taken at home is not enough to ensure that the client understands the purpose, benefits, and risks of the medication.

It also does not verify that the client is taking the medication correctly at home or that there are no changes in the dosage or frequency.

Choice D is wrong because insisting the client takes the prescribed medications is also coercive and violates the client’s right to refuse treatment.

It also does not respect the client’s autonomy, dignity, and preferences.

It may also cause harm to the client if they have an allergy, intolerance, or contraindication to the medication.

Advocacy for nursing stems from a philosophy of nursing in which nursing practice is the support of an individual to promote his or her own well-being, as understood by that individual. It is an ethic of practice that requires nurses to protect and uphold their patients’ rights, values, and interests.

This aligns with the professional code of ethics for nurses, which states that nurses should respect the dignity, worth and rights of all human beings, regardless of the nature of their health problems or their social or legal status. The nurse should not let personal feelings or biases interfere with the quality of care or the ethical obligations of the profession.

Choice A is wrong because the nurse refuses to care of the client. This violates the principle of beneficence, which means doing good and preventing harm to others.

The nurse has a duty to provide care to all patients who need it, regardless of their personal opinions or feelings.

Choice B is wrong because the nurse delegates all care of the client to an assistant. This violates the principle of accountability, which means being answerable for one’s actions and decisions. The nurse cannot delegate tasks that require nursing judgment or assessment to an unlicensed person.

The nurse is responsible for ensuring that the patient receives safe and competent care.

Choice C is wrong because the nurse provides minimal care to keep the client alive. This violates the principle of non-maleficence, which means avoiding harm or injury to others.

The nurse should not provide substandard care or neglect the patient’s needs or preferences.

The nurse should strive to promote the health and well-being of the patient.