Which of the following practices is essential for nurses to ensure patient advocacy?

Listening actively to patient concerns is fundamental for nurses seeking to ensure patient advocacy. This practice involves giving full attention to the patient's verbal and non-verbal expressions of needs, preferences, and fears. By actively listening, nurses can better understand the patient's perspective and help articulate their wishes and values to the broader healthcare team. This promotes shared decision-making and fosters a trusting nurse-patient relationship, which is essential for effective advocacy.

In contrast, minimizing communication with patients undermines their ability to share important health information and can lead to misunderstandings or unmet needs. Ignoring patient requests for treatment can result in feelings of neglect and can limit the patient's autonomy in their healthcare decisions. Prioritizing institutional goals over patient needs can compromise the quality of care, as it may overlook essential aspects of the patient’s individual situation, leading to dissatisfaction and potential harm. Active listening serves as a critical element in effectively standing up for patients’ rights and ensuring that their voices are heard within the healthcare system.