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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Hypertension in a parent: While a family history of hypertension may increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, it is considered a non-modifiable risk factor because individuals cannot change their genetic predisposition. However, individuals can take steps to manage hypertension through lifestyle modifications and medication.

B. Cultural beliefs: Cultural beliefs may influence health behaviors and attitudes toward health care, but they are not directly modifiable risk factors for heart disease. However, healthcare providers can work with individuals to address cultural barriers and develop culturally sensitive strategies for promoting heart-healthy behaviors.

C. Air quality: Environmental factors such as air pollution can contribute to cardiovascular disease risk, but air quality is not a modifiable risk factor for individuals on an individual level. However, efforts to improve air quality through environmental policies and regulations can help reduce population-level risk of heart disease.

D. Physical inactivity

Modifiable risk factors are those that can be changed or controlled to reduce the risk of developing a particular health condition. Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor because individuals can make lifestyle changes to increase their level of physical activity, which can help lower their risk of heart disease. Regular exercise has been shown to improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart, reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and maintaining a healthy weight.

A. assault B. Defamation C. Battery D. Invasion of privacy

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Assault.

Assault is the threat or apprehension of harmful or offensive contact. In this scenario, the nurse is making a threat to administer medication by injection if the client doesn't comply with swallowing pills. Even though the nurse hasn't physically carried out the action yet, the threat itself constitutes assault. The client feels threatened by the nurse's statement, creating apprehension of harm or offensive contact.

B. Defamation: Defamation involves making false statements that harm a person's reputation. There is no indication of defamation in this scenario.

C. Battery: Battery involves the intentional and unauthorized touching of another person. While administering medication by injection without consent could be considered battery, the nurse has only made a threat at this point, not carried out the action.

D. Invasion of privacy: Invasion of privacy involves intruding into someone's private affairs without permission. There is no indication of invasion of privacy in this scenario.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

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