A nurse is caring for an unconscious patient who requires surgery. The patient's family is divided on whether to proceed with the surgery. How can the nurse best advocate for the patient?

Rationale:

A. Educate the patient on the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) techniques such as acupuncture and meditation is correct because holistic nursing emphasizes the care of the whole person, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially. By educating the patient about CAM practices, the nurse supports the patient’s autonomy, encourages self-care, and integrates evidence-based approaches that address multiple dimensions of health, not just physical symptoms. This intervention demonstrates respect for the patient’s values and preferences while promoting overall wellness.

B. Focus solely on managing the patient’s physical symptoms through prescribed medications is incorrect because this approach addresses only the physical dimension of health. Holistic nursing requires consideration of emotional, spiritual, and social factors in addition to physical care. Limiting interventions to medication management fails to honor the patient’s whole-person needs.

C. Refer the patient only to conventional health care providers for treatment is incorrect because restricting care to conventional providers ignores the patient’s interest in holistic approaches. Holistic nursing integrates conventional and complementary therapies when appropriate, rather than limiting options.

D. Provide education on nutrition while ignoring the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs is incorrect because holistic care requires addressing all aspects of well-being. Focusing solely on nutrition neglects emotional and spiritual dimensions, which are essential components of holistic nursing practice.

Rationale:

A. Delegating the task to a nursing assistant without supervision is incorrect because delegation does not absolve the nurse of accountability. The nurse remains responsible for ensuring safe and appropriate medication administration and must provide proper oversight.

B. Relying solely on the electronic health record for dosing information is incorrect because while the EHR is a valuable tool, the nurse must also independently verify orders, calculate doses as needed, and consider patient-specific factors such as weight, age, and renal function. Accountability involves critical thinking and verification beyond automated systems.

C. Administering the medication without verifying the patient's identity is incorrect because failing to confirm the patient’s identity can lead to medication errors, posing significant risk to patient safety. Accountability requires following established safety protocols, including the “right patient” verification.

D. Consulting the patient's chart for potential allergies before administration is correct because it demonstrates the nurse’s accountability in ensuring safe practice. By verifying allergies, the nurse proactively prevents harm, adheres to professional standards, and takes responsibility for the patient’s safety throughout the medication administration process.