What should a nurse do to support a client's autonomy regarding their health care decisions?

Supporting a client's autonomy in health care decisions fundamentally involves recognizing and honoring their right to make informed choices about their treatment and care. By respecting and facilitating the client's wishes as expressed in their advance directives, the nurse ensures that the client's preferences are acknowledged and acted upon, thereby empowering them to take an active role in their own health care.

Advance directives often include specific instructions about the types of medical interventions a client desires or does not desire in the event they are unable to communicate these wishes themselves. This legal documentation serves as a vital tool for safeguarding the client's autonomy and ensuring that their values and preferences guide their care, even if they are incapacitated.

While providing guidance based on the nurse's experience can be valuable, it should not overshadow the client's right to make their own decisions. Encouraging family involvement can be beneficial, but it must be aligned with the client's expressed desires as noted in their directives. Limiting information to prevent confusion does not support autonomy; instead, it may hinder the client's ability to make informed decisions about their care. Thus, supporting autonomy centers on honoring the client's choices and ensuring their wishes are respected in health care settings.