How should a nurse handle a situation where a patient's wishes conflict with their medical advice?

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The correct approach for a nurse when faced with a situation where a patient's wishes conflict with medical advice is to respect the patient's wishes while providing them with adequate information. This practice is rooted in the principles of patient-centered care and shared decision-making, which emphasize the importance of autonomy and informed consent.

Patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare, and respecting their wishes fosters trust and promotes a therapeutic relationship between the patient and healthcare provider. By providing clear, comprehensive information about the medical advice and the potential risks or benefits involved, nurses empower patients to make informed choices. This approach also opens the door for discussions that might lead to a compromise or alternative solution that aligns with both the patient’s values and clinical guidelines.

In contrast, disregarding the patient's wishes entirely undermines their autonomy and could lead to feelings of powerlessness or resentment toward the healthcare system. Forcing a patient to accept medical advice disregards ethical principles and can result in harm to the patient-provider relationship. Consulting with a supervisor may be appropriate in certain complex cases, but the primary focus should still be on engaging the patient in dialogue and respecting their preferences, with support from the healthcare team as needed.

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