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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Increase intake of vitamin B12":
Vitamin B12 is important for various bodily functions, including the health of nerves and red blood cells, but it is not directly associated with osteoporosis prevention. Calcium and vitamin D are more critical nutrients for bone health.
B. "Walk for 30 minutes three to five times each week":
Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, are beneficial for preventing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing activities stimulate bone formation and help maintain bone density. Regular walking for 30 minutes, three to five times per week, can contribute to overall bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
C. "Perform water aerobics three times each week":
While water aerobics is a beneficial exercise for cardiovascular health and joint flexibility, it is not as effective as weight-bearing exercises for preventing osteoporosis. Weight-bearing activities put stress on bones, promoting bone density.
D. "Maintain a lean body mass":
Maintaining a healthy body weight and lean body mass is important for overall health, but it is not a direct preventive measure for osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D are more specific recommendations for preventing osteoporosis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assist the client with a bowel cleansing.A bowel cleansing is necessary before an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) to ensure the urinary tract is clearly visualized on the X-ray images. Residual stool or gas in the intestines can obscure the view of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
B.Ensure the client is free of metal objects.While ensuring the client is free of metal objects is critical for procedures involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays of the skeletal system, it is not specifically required for an IVP.
C.Monitor the client for pain in the suprapubic region.Monitoring for suprapubic pain is more relevant after procedures such as catheterization or bladder studies, or in cases of suspected urinary retention or infection.
D.Administer 240 mL (8 oz) of oral contrast before the procedure.An IVP involves injecting contrast dye intravenously, not orally. Oral contrast is typically used for gastrointestinal studies, such as a CT scan of the abdomen or barium swallow.
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