It is important that patient's are able to lend their discretion because every decision made by a medical staff member in their regard effects their life and ultimately their life as a whole (Street, 2005). A healthy relationship between patient and nurse yields positive outcomes and allowing patients to participate in their own care leads to a better relationship (Andrews 2008). Nurses need to keep in mind the balance that exists between letting patients participate and voice their opinions about their care and not allowing patients to dictate the entirety of their stay in the care facility. Explain why patients do not wish to be actively involved in their care, and how nurses can help with this situation

Patients do not spend their time in hospitals or other medical facilities for enjoyment. In fact, they are almost always there because they are not able to take are of themselves at the moment. Therefore, most patients prefer to rest and be able to trust that their nursing staff will take good care of them in order to reduce their stress (Andrews, 2008). As stated previously, there are some concerns and suggestions or complaints patients may have that should be attended to by the medical staff. However, the majority of patients would rather not be involved with their care as it leads them to question the competency of those treating them...

This is not a necessarily fair assumption made by patients but a considerable amount feel as if their participation in their care alludes to a lack of confidence on the nurse's part (Street, 2005). Because of patients' unwillingness to participate in their healthcare, nurses need to keep consultation to a minimum (Street, 2005). This is not to say nurses should not ask patients' permission or give them information for all procedures and tasks. Instead, nurses should continue to inform patients of their status frequently but not converse with them about detailed nursing care plans (Street, 2005). A procedure such as this allows for patients to still be involved in their health care and possess useful information (Andrews, 2008). Also, unwanted stress is alleviated from patients when they do not feel as though their health depends on them. The best a nurse can do is find the balance between being informative with a patient and realizing the bulk of the responsibility should be on the nurse (Andrews, 2008).
Reference List

Andrews M.M. And Boyle J. (2008). Transcultural Concepts in Nursing. England:

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Street L.R., Gordon S.H., Ward M.M., Krupat E., & Kravitz L.R. (2005). Patient

Participation in Medical Consultations: Why Some Patients Are…