A nurse who encourages patients to express their opinions illustrates which nursing concept?

Encouraging patients to express their opinions is a prime example of empowerment in nursing practice. Empowerment involves enabling individuals to take control of their health and wellness through informed choices and active participation in their care. By fostering an environment where patients feel safe and encouraged to voice their thoughts and feelings, the nurse helps to build the patient's confidence and self-efficacy. This can lead to improved patient outcomes, as individuals who are empowered typically engage more in their care plans and adhere to treatment recommendations.

The concept of authority would imply a top-down approach where the nurse dictates care without consideration for the patient's input. Compliance refers to the extent to which patients follow medical advice, which does not inherently involve their active participation in decision-making. Delegation involves assigning tasks to others and does not pertain to the engagement of patients in their own care processes. Therefore, the focus on patient expression aligns specifically with the principle of empowerment.