Patient advocacy in the postanesthesia care unit.

What does patient advocacy mean? How pertinent is the term "patient advocacy" in the PACU? What are the deterrents to deciding to be an advocate? What are the steps involved? What are the legal ramifications? These questions all face the PACU nurse when she considers assuming the role of patient advocate. In this article, the author addresses these concerns and offers suggestions on the steps to follow when fulfilling the advocate role.