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.

According to the National Institute on Aging, health care providers play an important role in recognizing and reporting elder abuse. They have a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities. Reporting is not voluntary for health care workers.

Choice A is wrong because reporting is not voluntary for health care workers. Choice C is wrong because civil liability cannot result if the abuse can’t be proven. Health care providers are protected by immunity laws when they report suspected abuse in good faith.

Choice D is wrong because evidence of abuse does not need to be collected prior to reporting. Health care providers should report any signs or symptoms of abuse, even if they are not conclusive.