A maternity client is in need of surgery. Which healthcare member is legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure?

Choice A: Fecal incontinence is not the correct answer because it is not a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Fecal incontinence is a condition that causes the loss of bowel control, resulting in involuntary leakage of stool or gas. It can be caused by various factors such as nerve damage, muscle weakness, or diarrhea. It is not related to the displacement or descent of pelvic organs.

Choice B: Rectocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Rectocele is a condition that occurs when the rectum bulges or sags into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as constipation, difficulty with bowel movements, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the rectum and vagina.

Choice C: Urinary incontinence is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Urinary incontinence is a condition that causes the loss of bladder control, resulting in involuntary leakage of urine or urge to urinate. It can be caused by various factors such as stress, infection, or medication. It is also related to the displacement or descent of pelvic organs, such as the bladder or urethra, which can affect the function and closure of the urinary sphincter.

Choice D: Cystocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Cystocele is a condition that occurs when the bladder protrudes or drops into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, or retention, or a feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the bladder and vagina.

Choice E: Enterocele is the correct answer because it is a disorder of pelvic organ prolapse. Enterocele is a condition that occurs when the small intestine bulges or descends into the vagina, creating a pouch or hernia. It can cause symptoms such as lower back pain, pelvic pressure, or difficulty with bowel movements. It is caused by the weakening or stretching of the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue that support the small intestine and vagina.

Choice A: The social worker is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The social worker is a professional who provides psychosocial support and advocacy for clients and families, such as counseling, referrals, or discharge planning.

Choice B: The nurse is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The nurse is a professional who provides direct care and education for clients and families, such as assessment, medication administration, or teaching. However, the nurse can assist the physician in obtaining informed consent by witnessing the client's signature, verifying the client's understanding, or documenting the process.

Choice C: The physician is the correct answer because they are legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The physician is a professional who diagnoses and treats clients and families, such as performing surgery, prescribing medication, or ordering tests. The physician must explain the purpose, benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of the procedure to the client and obtain their voluntary agreement before proceeding.

Choice D: The unit secretary is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The unit secretary is a staff member who performs clerical and administrative tasks for the unit, such as answering phones, filing records, or scheduling appointments.