Which term refers to someone who defends or promotes a rights-based position within a care setting?

• A. Ethics
• B. Advocate
• C. Microsystem
• D. Stakeholder

Answer: (B)

Advocacy for patient rights is about standing up for and promoting the rights and preferences of those receiving care, especially when decisions are tough or there may be power imbalances. The person who fits this role is an advocate—someone who speaks up for patients, helps them understand options, supports their autonomy, and helps ensure their wishes are respected in care planning and delivery. This differs from ethics, which is the framework for judging right from wrong; ethics is not a person. A microsystem refers to the local care setting or team, not an individual role. A stakeholder is any person or group with an interest in the outcome, but this term doesn’t specify actively promoting or defending rights. In practice, an advocate can be a nurse, social worker, family member, or the patient themselves who works to ensure informed consent and respect for patient preferences.