Fundamentals of Nursing Q 231
A female patient is being discharged after cataract surgery. After providing medication teaching, the nurse asks the patient to repeat the instructions. The nurse is performing which professional role?
A. Manager
B. Educator
C. Caregiver
D. Patient advocate
Correct Answer: B. Educator
When teaching a patient about medications before discharge, the nurse is acting as an educator. They provide educational leadership to patients and care providers to enhance specialized patient care within established healthcare settings. Assists patients and caregivers with educational needs, problem resolution, and health management across the continuum of care.
Option A: The nurse acts as a manager when performing such activities as scheduling and making patient care assignments. Great nurse managers are able to work in coordination with other departments. They must also possess the ability to oversee an array of practice functions including staff supervision, clinical tasks, and appointments. It is also part of their jobs to liaise with pathology labs, suppliers, and other health facilities.
Option C: The nurse performs the caregiving role when providing direct care, including bathing patients and administering medications and prescribed treatments. Healthcare should address a patient’s cultural, spiritual and mental needs. Increasing diversity in a growing patient population requires nurses to demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity. Patients may have specific needs and preferences due to their religion or gender, for example. Nurses need to be respectful of, and knowledgeable about, diverse backgrounds while remaining vigilant in providing quality care.
Option D: The nurse acts as a patient advocate when making the patient’s wishes known to the doctor. A nurse advocate is a nurse who works on behalf of patients to maintain quality of care and protect patients’ rights. They intervene when there is a care concern, and following the proper channels, work to resolve any patient care issues. Realistically, every nurse is an advocate.