A fifteen-year-old has been injured during football practice and has been taken to the hospital via ambulance. Providers have been unable to speak to parents despite several attempts to contact them. The youth needs emergency surgery, and understands the risks and benefits of the surgery. Which action is most appropriate at this time?
Have the youth give assent, and proceed with surgery.
Attempt to contact another relative.
Give pain medications until consent can be obtained.
Wait for parents to obtain consent.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is the most appropriate action because it respects the youth's autonomy and maturity, and allows for timely and necessary intervention. Assent is the agreement of a minor to participate in a medical decision, and it is usually sufficient in emergency situations when parental consent is not available.
Choice B reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it may delay the surgery and put the youth at risk of further complications. Another relative may not have the legal authority to consent for the youth, and may not be reachable in time.
Choice C reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it does not address the underlying problem of the injury. Pain medications may provide temporary relief, but they may also mask the symptoms and interfere with the surgery.
Choice D reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it may jeopardize the youth's health and safety. Waiting for parents to obtain consent may result in irreversible damage or even death. The youth's best interest should be the priority in this case.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the most appropriate action because it respects the youth's autonomy and maturity, and allows for timely and necessary intervention. Assent is the agreement of a minor to participate in a medical decision, and it is usually sufficient in emergency situations when parental consent is not available.
Choice B reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it may delay the surgery and put the youth at risk of further complications. Another relative may not have the legal authority to consent for the youth, and may not be reachable in time.
Choice C reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it does not address the underlying problem of the injury. Pain medications may provide temporary relief, but they may also mask the symptoms and interfere with the surgery.
Choice D reason: This is not the most appropriate action because it may jeopardize the youth's health and safety. Waiting for parents to obtain consent may result in irreversible damage or even death. The youth's best interest should be the priority in this case.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a valid basis for the nurse's response, as it implies that the child sleeps with the parents because of a lack of attention during the day. This may not be the case, and it may also offend the parents by questioning their parenting skills.
Choice B reason: This is a valid basis for the nurse's response, as it acknowledges the diversity and variability of family practices and preferences. It also shows respect and sensitivity for the parents' and the child's needs and comfort.
Choice C reason: This is not a valid basis for the nurse's response, as it is false and exaggerated. Sleeping with one's children is not illegal or abusive, unless there is evidence of harm or neglect. It may also alarm and anger the parents by accusing them of a crime.
Choice D reason: This is not a valid basis for the nurse's response, as it is based on a rigid and arbitrary developmental milestone. There is no fixed age for separating from parents, and it may vary depending on the child's temperament, attachment, and environment. It may also pressure and guilt the parents by implying that they are delaying their child's growth.
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