Question

Difficulty: MediumClient Rights and Advocacy

A practical nurse (PN) is providing care for a group of clients on a busy medical-surgical unit. Which actions by the PN correctly uphold client rights, advocacy, and safety principles? Select all that apply.

  1. Ensuring the room door is closed and the privacy curtain is drawn before assisting a client with personal hygiene.Answer
  2. Verifying that the client has signed the informed consent document prior to administering preoperative sedation.Answer
  3. C
    Explaining the potential risks and surgical alternatives to a client who expresses hesitation about an upcoming procedure.
  4. D
    Discussing a client's upcoming discharge needs with the physical therapist while riding in a public visitor elevator.
  5. Providing a newly admitted client with a copy of the facility's Patient Bill of Rights and answering basic questions about its contents.Answer
  6. F
    Applying soft wrist restraints to a confused client who is attempting to pull out an intravenous line before trying less restrictive measures.

Answer

The correct actions are ensuring physical privacy during hygiene care, verifying signed consent before administering sedation, and providing the Patient Bill of Rights upon admission.
The practical nurse advocates for client rights by ensuring physical privacy during vulnerable moments, verifying that legal consent is documented before giving mind-altering medications, and informing clients of their rights upon admission. These actions demonstrate adherence to confidentiality, legal standards, and respect for client dignity.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate each option against the Practical Nurse (PN) scope of practice and legal guidelines regarding client rights.
Actions protecting privacy, verifying informed consent, and educating on basic rights are within the PN scope and support client advocacy.
The PN must act as a client advocate while remaining strictly within their legal and professional scope of practice.
2
Identify actions that violate confidentiality, exceed scope of practice, or bypass safety protocols.
Explaining surgical risks, discussing care in public areas, and bypassing restraint alternatives are incorrect and unsafe actions.
These actions represent common clinical errors that compromise patient safety, privacy, and legal consent standards.

Key Concept

Client Rights and Advocacy
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