Client Rights: Ensuring Safety in Informed Decision-Making

A 35-year-old client has been admitted to a psychiatric unit following a crisis episode. The treatment team is developing a plan of care, and the nurse is advocating for the client's rights. The client has expressed a strong desire to participate in treatment decisions, but the physician is concerned that the client may not fully understand the implications of their choices due to the nature of their mental health condition. The nurse must adhere to the principle of informed consent while also considering the client's capacity for decision-making.

Fill in the blank: In ensuring the client's rights are respected, the nurse must assess whether the client has the capacity to make informed choices regarding their care, which includes understanding, appreciating, and reasoning about their situation and options. One vital aspect of this assessment is determining whether the client can ensure their own _____ during the treatment process.