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?

A. "I need to set my hot water heater to 140 degrees Fahrenheit":
This statement is incorrect. The recommended safe temperature for a hot water heater is generally set to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to prevent scalds and burns. A setting of 140 degrees Fahrenheit increases the risk of burns, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
B. "I will use the grab bars when getting in and out of the bathtub":
This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of using safety features, such as grab bars, to prevent falls in the bathroom. Using grab bars provides support and stability during activities like getting in and out of the bathtub, reducing the risk of accidents.
C. "I will apply tape over frayed areas of electrical cords":
This statement is incorrect. Using tape on frayed electrical cords is not a safe or effective solution. Frayed cords should be replaced to avoid the risk of electrical shock or fire. Using tape may not adequately address the underlying safety issue and can be a hazard itself.
D. "I need to check my medications for expiration dates":
This statement reflects an understanding of the importance of medication safety. Checking medication expiration dates is crucial to ensure the efficacy and safety of the medications. Expired medications may be less effective or potentially harmful.
E. "I need to have a fire escape plan with my family":
This statement shows awareness of the importance of having a fire escape plan at home. Having a plan in place helps ensure that everyone in the household knows what to do in case of a fire, improving overall safety.

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.