A patient with advanced lung cancer is on the transplant list. While discussing the patient's situation, the physician states that the patient will probably continue smoking even if they receive a transplant. How should the nurse respond to advocate for the patient?

Explanation

•The nurse is advocating for the patient by asserting the patient's ability to change if he or she shares the goal of quitting smoking and has the support necessary. The patient can quit smoking, but will be better able to do so with education and support from the health care team. 

•The reality is that not every patient will choose to quit smoking, and being a patient advocate means respecting the patient's right to autonomy and selecting patient-centered goals that they will agree to. 

•It is incorrect that the patient has no control over the smoking behavior, but quitting smoking is difficult. The nurse should work with the patient to identify their goal and steps to help them reach it.

•Stating that the patient should not receive a transplant if he or she continues smoking is not an example of patient advocacy.

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