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 B
Explanation
A. Swing-through gait:
The swing-through gait is a more advanced gait pattern used by clients with significant lower extremity weakness or paralysis. It involves swinging both crutches forward simultaneously, followed by swinging both legs forward past the crutches. This gait is not appropriate for a client who can only bear weight on one leg.
B. Three-point gait:
The three-point gait is typically used when one lower extremity is completely non-weight-bearing. It involves advancing both crutches and then swinging the affected leg through to meet the crutches. Since the client in this scenario can bear weight on one leg, the three-point gait is the most appropriate choice.
C. Four-point alternating gait
Four-point alternating gait
The four-point alternating gait involves a sequence of movements where each crutch and each leg move alternately. The sequence is as follows:
- Move the right crutch forward(injured side).
- Move the left foot forward(non-injured side).
- Move the left crutch forward(non-injured side).
- Move the right foot forward(injured side). This gait offers stability and control but requires more effort and coordination.
D. Two-point alternating gait:
The two-point alternating gait involves moving one crutch and the opposite lower extremity forward simultaneously, followed by moving the other crutch and the opposite lower extremity forward. This gait pattern is typically used by clients who have good balance and strength in both lower extremities. It may not provide enough stability and support for a client who can only bear weight on one leg.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A. Ensure that the client's bed is in the lowest position.
Keeping the bed in the lowest position helps prevent injury if the client tries to get out of bed, especially when restrained.
B. Assess skin temperature and color before applying the restraints.
This action ensures proper circulation and skin integrity while the restraints are in use. It helps prevent skin breakdown and injury.
C. Attach the client's restraints to the bed rail.
Attaching restraints to the bed rail is not considered a best practice as it can increase the risk of injury to the client. Restraints should be secured to the bed frame or another stable part of the bed to minimize the risk of harm.
D. Pad bony prominences before applying the restraints.
Padding bony prominences such as elbows and wrists helps prevent pressure ulcers and discomfort caused by the restraints.
E. Secure restraints to allow three fingers to slide under the restraints.
Restraints should be secured to allow only two fingers to slide under the restraints to ensure they are not too loose or too tight.
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