A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is unconscious and requires surgery. There is no one available to give consent for the treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Prepare the client for surgery.
Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance.
Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent.
Obtain consent from the surgeon.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the client for surgery: In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.
B. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance: Contacting the ethics committee can be helpful for guidance on how to handle consent issues in complex situations, but it might not provide a timely solution for immediate emergency situations.
C. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent: While stabilizing the client's condition is important, waiting for a family member to arrive to give consent may not be feasible in emergency situations where immediate treatment is necessary. The nurse should seek guidance from appropriate channels to determine the best course of action.
D. Obtain consent from the surgeon: Surgeons do not have the authority to provide consent for treatment on behalf of a client who is unconscious. Consent must come from a legally authorized decision-maker, such as the client themselves if they have previously provided informed consent, or a designated healthcare proxy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will walk three times per week."
Regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, are beneficial for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis in older adults. Weight-bearing activities help stimulate bone formation and strengthen bones. Therefore, the client's statement about walking three times per week demonstrates an understanding of an effective measure for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
B. "I will avoid exposure to the sun." - Exposure to sunlight is essential for vitamin D synthesis, which helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone health. Therefore, avoiding sunlight would not be beneficial for reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
C. "I will decrease my intake of dairy products." - Dairy products are a rich source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health. Decreasing intake of dairy products may lead to inadequate calcium intake, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.
D. "I will take 250 milligrams of calcium once per day." - While calcium supplementation is important for maintaining bone health, the recommended daily intake for older adults is higher than 250 milligrams. The client's statement suggests an inadequate understanding of calcium supplementation for osteoporosis prevention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Place the bedside table 0.9 m (3 feet) away from the bed:
While having a bedside table nearby can be convenient for clients to access essential items, the specific distance of 0.9 m (3 feet) is not a standard guideline for falls prevention. Placing the bedside table closer to the bed may actually improve accessibility for the client, but it's not the most crucial action for falls prevention in this scenario.
B. Provide the client with a night light.
Falls prevention strategies aim to create a safe environment for clients at risk of falling. Providing a night light helps improve visibility during nighttime, reducing the risk of falls due to poor lighting. It assists clients in navigating their surroundings safely, especially when getting out of bed during the night.
C. Elevate full-length side rails on both sides of the client's bed:
Using full-length side rails on the bed can increase the risk of entrapment and injury, especially for clients at risk of falls. Current evidence suggests that the use of physical restraints, such as full-length side rails, does not effectively prevent falls and may contribute to adverse outcomes.
D. Keep the client's room temperature at 18°C (64.4°F):
While maintaining a comfortable room temperature is important for client comfort, the specific temperature of 18°C (64.4°F) is not a standard guideline for falls prevention. Instead, ensuring a comfortable temperature range based on individual client preferences and environmental factors is appropriate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
