Which patient rights is the nurse likely to be called to advocate for? (Select all that apply.)

Question

1. Research-related rights
2. Right to refuse treatment or medication
3. Right to be fully informed about procedures
4. The right to safe care
5. The right to the treating physician of choice

Answer 1

ANS: 1, 2, 3, 4
No one can perform research, even of an innocent nature such as an interview, without the research process being scrutinized by a committee (the IRB) and the patient being fully informed of the research being done. The nurse is often the one who learns that the patient consented to participation due to fear of retribution if he or she declines, and the nurse must advocate for that patient. Whatever the ailment or disease, every patient has the right to refuse treatments, including medications, surgery, or other things as simple as a bath or the measurement of blood pressure. While it is the physician's responsibility to explain the procedure, it is the nurse's responsibility when asked to obtain the patient's signature to ensure that the patient fully understands what the physician told the patient. Every patient has the right to safe care. Although the patient's right to safe care seems a simple concept, it can become complicated by things such as an impaired nurse or short staffing.