A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a cerebrovascular accident with resulting dysphagia.
Which of the following therapists assists clients to learn to eat with less risk of aspiration?

The correct answer is choice A: "I will speak with your provider on your behalf."

Choice A rationale: The principle of advocacy in nursing involves supporting and speaking up for clients to ensure their rights, needs, and preferences are respected. By offering to speak with the provider on the client's behalf, the nurse demonstrates advocacy by actively working to represent the client's interests and facilitate communication between the client and the health care team.

Choice B rationale: While promising to fulfill commitments is an aspect of maintaining professional integrity, it does not directly demonstrate advocacy. Advocacy is more about actively supporting the client's rights and needs rather than personal dedication to fulfilling promises.

Choice C rationale: Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of client information is essential in nursing practice, but it is not specifically related to advocacy. Privacy is a separate ethical principle that focuses on protecting the client's personal information and upholding their right to privacy.

Choice D rationale: Encouraging clients to make decisions about their health care is important for promoting autonomy. However, advocacy involves actively supporting the client's decisions and ensuring their rights are respected, rather than simply allowing them to make decisions.

The correct answer is choice B: Explain to the client that they cannot leave until the surgeon discharges them.

Choice B rationale: The nurse should explain the importance of following the surgeon's orders and the potential consequences of leaving before being officially discharged. This approach provides patient education and promotes collaboration between the client and the health care team. It also ensures the client understands that leaving without proper discharge could lead to complications or inadequate recovery.

Choice A rationale: Threatening the client with restraints is not an appropriate action, as it may cause undue stress and escalate the situation. Restraints should only be used as a last resort in cases where the client poses an immediate risk of harm to themselves or others.

Choice C rationale: While having the client sign an against medical advice (AMA) form might be appropriate if the client insists on leaving, the nurse should first attempt to educate the client on the importance of following the surgeon's orders and collaborate with the client to resolve any concerns or issues leading to their desire to leave.

Choice D rationale: Administering a sedative medication is not an appropriate action in this situation. Sedation should only be used when medically necessary and not as a means to control a client's behavior or decisions.