A nurse in a clinic is teaching a newly licensed nurse about sexually transmitted infections. The nurse should instruct the newly licensed nurse to report which of the following infections to the health department?

Choice A reason: Having the client sign a consent for treatment is not appropriate because the client is disoriented and cannot give informed consent.

Choice B reason: Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not necessary because the nurse is acting in the best interest of the client and following the emergency doctrine, which allows for treatment without consent in life-threatening situations.

Choice C reason: Proceeding with treatment without obtaining written consent is the best action because the client has a cardiac arrhythmia, which is a potentially fatal condition that requires immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Contacting the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment is not feasible because it may delay the treatment and endanger the client's life. The nurse should attempt to contact the next of kin after stabilizing the client.

Choice A reason: The partner does not have the legal authority to make the care decision for the client, unless they are designated as the health care proxy or surrogate. The partner may have a personal or emotional interest in the client's well-being, but they cannot override the client's wishes or rights.

Choice B reason: The oldest adult child does not have the legal authority to make the care decision for the client, even though they have durable power of attorney. The durable power of attorney only becomes effective when the client is incapacitated or unable to make their own decisions. Since the client is oriented to person, place, and time, they are presumed to have the mental capacity to consent or refuse treatment.

Choice C reason: The client has the legal authority to make the care decision for themselves, as long as they are competent and informed. The client has the right to self-determination and autonomy, which means they can choose what is best for their own health and well-being. The client's decision should be respected and honored by the provider and the family members.

Choice D reason: The provider does not have the legal authority to make the care decision for the client, unless there is an emergency or a court order. The provider has the duty to inform the client of the benefits and risks of the surgery, and to obtain the client's consent before proceeding. The provider cannot coerce or force the client to undergo the surgery against their will.