Advocacy in your own nursing practice

Sample Answer

Advocating for a Patient's Treatment Preference Against Family Pressure

• Scenario: A terminally ill patient has clearly expressed to their nurse their desire to focus on comfort measures only and refuse further aggressive chemotherapy, which has severe side effects and offers a minimal, uncertain benefit in terms of延长生存期. The patient's family, however, is insistent that "everything" be done, expressing guilt and fear, and putting pressure on the patient and the healthcare team to continue the aggressive treatment. The patient is becoming anxious and feels torn, fearing they will let their family down if they stick to their original decision.
• The Advocacy Action: The nurse recognizes the patient's autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their own body and care, even in the face of family disagreement. The nurse takes the following actions:
  1. Validates the Patient's Feelings: Acknowledges the patient's anxiety and the difficult position they are in.
  2. Reinforces Patient Autonomy: Reminds the patient that their wishes are valid and legally protected (e.g., by advance directives if applicable) and that they have the right to refuse treatment.Advocating for a Patient's Treatment Preference Against Family Pressure