A voluntarily hospitalized patient tells the nurse, "Get me the forms for discharge against medical advice so I can leave now." What is the nurse's best initial response?

A) "I can't give you those forms without your health care provider's knowledge."
B) "I will get them for you, but let's talk about your decision to leave treatment."
C) "Since you signed your consent for treatment, you may leave if you desire."
D) "I'll get the forms for you right now and bring them to your room."

A patient who has been voluntarily admitted as a psychiatric inpatient has the right to demand and obtain release in most states. However, as a patient advocate, the nurse is responsible for weighing factors related to the patient's wishes and best interests. By asking for information, the nurse may be able to help the patient reconsider the decision. The statement that discharge forms cannot be given without the health care provider's knowledge is not true. Facilitating discharge without consent is not in the patient's best interest before exploring the reason for the request.