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.

Obtain consent from the surgeon.

Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance.

Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent.

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. Obtain consent from the surgeon:
The surgeon is not the appropriate person to obtain consent from in this situation. Informed consent should ideally come from the client or a legal surrogate decision-maker, depending on the circumstances. Surgeons are responsible for discussing the procedure with the patient or their authorized representative before surgery, but obtaining consent is not the nurse's role.
C. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance:
While the ethics committee may provide guidance in complex ethical situations, the immediate concern in this emergency situation is to address the client's life-threatening condition. The nurse should prioritize actions that ensure the client receives timely and necessary medical care.
D. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent:
While obtaining consent from a family member is ideal, waiting for consent can delay critical and time-sensitive interventions. In emergency situations, the priority is to provide necessary medical care promptly to stabilize the client. If there is no one available to give consent immediately, healthcare providers may proceed with necessary interventions to preserve life and limb.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Use an 18-gauge, 1-inch needle to administer the medication.An 18-gauge needle is too large for subcutaneous heparin injections, which require a smaller, finer needle, typically 25- to 27-gauge and ⅜- to ⅝-inch in length. The smaller gauge reduces discomfort and is appropriate for subcutaneous tissue.

B. Inject 5.1 cm (2 in) away from the umbilicus.Heparin injections should be given at least 2 inches from the umbilicus to avoid areas with dense blood vessels, which decreases the risk of hematoma formation and improves medication absorption.

C. Expel air bubble before injecting medication.For prefilled heparin syringes, the small air bubble should not be expelled, as it helps ensure the full dose is administered and can reduce bruising by sealing the medication in the tissue.

D. Massage the injection site after withdrawing the needle.Massaging the site after a heparin injection is not recommended as it increases the risk of bruising and tissue irritation. Instead, gentle pressure may be applied briefly if there is bleeding at the site.

A. Cholesterol level B. History of hyperlipidemia C. History of hypertension D. History of rheumatoid arthritis F. Family history

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A. Cholesterol level: Elevated cholesterol levels are a risk factor for heart disease. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

B. History of hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. A history of hyperlipidemia indicates a pre-existing condition that can contribute to the risk of heart disease.

C. History of hypertension: Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a significant risk factor for heart disease. It can lead to damage to the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular complications.

Explanation:

D. History of rheumatoid arthritis: While rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, it is not a direct risk factor for heart disease. However, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to inflammation.

E. Fasting glucose level: The fasting glucose level is related to diabetes rather than heart disease. However, diabetes is a significant risk factor for heart disease, so managing glucose levels is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.

F. Family history: While a family history of heart disease can contribute to an individual's overall risk, it is not a direct finding in the medical record that places the client at risk. The specific risk factors mentioned earlier (cholesterol level, history of hyperlipidemia, and history of hypertension) are more direct indicators of cardiovascular risk.

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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

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Explanation

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