A maternity client is in need of surgery. Which healthcare member is legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure?
The social worker
The nurse
The physician
The unit secretary
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: "Information about a client can be disclosed to family members at any time." This statement indicates a need for further teaching because it is false and violates HIPAA. HIPAA protects the privacy and security of clients' health information and limits who can access or share it without their consent. Information about a client can only be disclosed to family members if they are involved in the client's care or payment, or if the client gives permission.
Choice B: "HIPAA established regulations of individually identifiable health information in verbal, electronic, or written form." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA defines individually identifiable health information as any information that relates to the past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual; the provision of health care to an individual; or the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care to an individual; and that identifies the individual or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe it can be used to identify the individual.
Choice C: "HIPAA is a federal law, not a state law." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA is a federal law that was enacted in 1996 by Congress and signed by President Clinton. It applies to all states and territories of the United States. However, some states may have additional or stricter laws that protect clients' health information.
Choice D: "A client's address would be an example of personally identifiable information." This statement does not indicate a need for further teaching because it is true and reflects HIPAA. HIPAA lists 18 identifiers that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, medical record number, or biometric identifiers. A client's address is one of these identifiers and must be protected under HIPAA.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: Vaginal pH of 3 is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline the vaginal environment is. A normal vaginal pH ranges from 3.8 to 4.5, which helps prevent infections by maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria (lactobacilli). Bacterial vaginosis can cause an increase in vaginal pH above 4.5, which allows harmful bacteria (anaerobes) to grow and cause symptoms.
Choice B: Cervical bleeding on contact is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Cervical bleeding on contact is a sign of inflammation or injury to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can be caused by various factors such as infection, trauma, or cancer. Bacterial vaginosis does not affect the cervix directly, but it can increase the risk of other infections or complications that may cause cervical bleeding.
Choice C: Fishy odor of discharge is the correct answer because it is a finding of bacterial vaginosis. The fishy odor of discharge is a characteristic symptom of bacterial vaginosis that occurs due to the breakdown of organic compounds (amines) by the anaerobic bacteria. The odor is usually more noticeable after sexual intercourse or during menstruation.
Choice D: Yellowish-green discharge is not the correct answer because it is not a finding of bacterial vaginosis. Yellowish-green discharge is a sign of infection or inflammation of the vagina or cervix, such as trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia. These infections can cause symptoms such as itching, burning, or pain in the genital area. Bacterial vaginosis usually causes a thin, gray-white, or milky discharge that does not cause irritation or discomfort.
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