Which statement reflects the nurse's role in safeguarding patient rights?

• A. Encourage patient to ask questions, stand up for interests
• B. Ensure they receive highest quality of care
• C. Make sure they never question care
• D. Withhold information to avoid confusion

Answer: (A)

Safeguarding patient rights centers on respecting autonomy and ensuring patients have the information and support they need to participate in decisions about their care. The nurse’s role as an advocate means helping patients understand options, ask questions, and express their preferences, ensuring decisions are voluntary and informed. Encouraging the patient to ask questions and stand up for their interests directly promotes informed consent, dignity, and personal agency in care.

While high-quality care is crucial, it doesn’t by itself guarantee that patients understand their choices or feel empowered to speak up. Encouraging questioning is essential to autonomy, whereas making sure they never question care disrespects their rights. Withholding information to avoid confusion violates the patient’s right to be informed and to decide freely.