Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

A client nearing the end of life tells a nurse they do not want to continue aggressive treatment despite their family's wishes. When the nurse supports the client during a family visit, which nursing role is being performed?

1. Counselor

2. Communicator

3. Collaborator

4. Advocate

The correct answer is: Advocate

The nursing role being performed in this scenario is advocacy. Advocacy involves supporting and promoting the client's wishes, rights, and interests, especially when those may conflict with the desires of family members or other healthcare providers. In this case, the nurse is taking a stand to support the client's decision to discontinue aggressive treatment, which aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. By advocating for the client, the nurse ensures that their preferences are communicated and respected during family discussions, making it clear that the client’s voice is paramount in making healthcare decisions at the end of life. This is especially important in situations involving end-of-life care, where the client's comfort and wishes should be prioritized. The other roles, while important in nursing, do not encapsulate the primary action being taken here. Counseling would involve providing emotional support and guidance, communication primarily focuses on the exchange of information, and collaboration entails working alongside others to achieve a common goal. In this context, the fundamental action is advocating for the client’s wishes amidst competing interests.