What is the role of nurses in advance care planning?

The role of nurses in advance care planning is primarily to educate patients about their choices. This includes providing information about various treatment options, prognosis, and the implications of those choices, thereby empowering patients to make informed decisions regarding their own healthcare and end-of-life preferences. Nurses facilitate conversations that help patients articulate their values, goals, and preferences, ensuring that their wishes are understood and respected.

In contrast to the correct choice, the other options do not adequately represent the ethical and practical responsibilities of nurses in this context. Delegating decisions to family members can undermine the patient's autonomy and may not ensure that the patient's wishes are honored. Directly altering patient medical records is strictly governed by legal and ethical standards and is not within the nurse's role in advance care planning. Making decisions on behalf of the patient can compromise patient autonomy and may not reflect their true wishes, as it may not take into account the individual's values and choices. Therefore, educating patients about their choices aligns with the nurse's advocacy role in ensuring patient-centered care.