Coordinated Care

Supporting and protecting the client's interests — voicing the client's preferences and concerns to the RN and care team, and ensuring the client's rights are respected, even when the nurse personally disagrees.

Stop and notify the RN/provider before any further preoperative preparation. A statement showing the client does not understand the procedure means informed consent may not be valid, and the provider must clarify — the LPN does not re-explain the procedure.

Communicate the client's stated wishes to the RN/provider. A competent adult's decisions take priority over the family's wishes; the LPN advocates by making sure the client's voice reaches the team.

Request a qualified medical interpreter. Family members (especially children) should not interpret health information because of accuracy, privacy, and bias concerns.

Take the concern seriously: collect data on the pain, report it to the RN/provider, and follow up to ensure the client receives intervention. Advocacy means pursuing the concern until it is addressed.

Ask whether the client has one, ensure it is in the chart, notify the RN/provider of its existence or the client's questions, and reinforce information already given. The LPN does not provide the initial detailed explanation or give legal advice.