A nurse working in the intensive care unit (ICU) notes that a patient is more confused and agitated than yesterday. Which nursing actions are evidence of patient advocacy?
A) The nurse assesses for common causes of confusion and agitation.
B) Tell the family that confusion and agitation frequently occur after ICU admission.
C) The nurse contacts the patient's primary care provider regarding the confusion.
D) The nurse documents findings and actions in the medical record.
E) Ask for assistance from the nurse manager if necessary.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rationale 1: Assessment allows the nurse to make comparisons between current status and previous status. This is the first step of collecting information to advocate for the patient's care.
Rationale 2: Assuming this patient's confusion and agitation is related solely to being in the ICU does not exemplify advocacy.
Rationale 3: This nurse had taken action to treat the patient which is an example of patient advocacy.
Rationale 4: Advocacy also includes documenting actions taken and response to actions.
Rationale 5: Assisting other nurses and seeking this assistance as necessary is a means of advocating for quality nursing care.

A Nurse Working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Notes