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 ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Correct responses:
A. When preparing the medication dosage: Comparing the medication administration record with the medication label during preparation helps ensure the correct medication and dosage are being used.
B. Directly before administering the medication: This final check ensures that the medication being given matches the prescription and the right patient, minimizing the risk of errors.
D. When removing the medication from the medication drawer: This initial check ensures that the medication being retrieved is the correct one as per the medication administration record.
The other options are not directly related to verifying the medication administration record against the medication label:
C. When reconciling counts of controlled substances: This is important for ensuring accurate inventory but is not related to verifying medication administration.
E. At the end of the shift: This is not a time for verifying medication records and labels; it’s more related to end-of-shift documentation and handoff.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will move your joints to the point of mild pain":
This statement is incorrect. Passive range-of-motion exercises should not cause pain. The goal is to move the joints within their natural range of motion without causing discomfort or harm to the client. If pain occurs, the nurse should stop the movement and assess for any underlying issues.
B. "I will repeat these movements 3 to 5 times":
This is the correct statement. Passive range-of-motion exercises involve moving the client's joints through their range of motion without the client actively participating. Repeating the movements 3 to 5 times helps prevent joint stiffness and maintain flexibility without causing excessive strain or fatigue.
C. "These movements will be performed once per day":
This statement is less optimal. While performing passive range-of-motion exercises once a day may be beneficial, incorporating them into the client's routine more frequently, such as several times a day, can provide additional benefits in preventing joint contractures and maintaining joint function.
D. "I will move your joints quickly":
This statement is incorrect. Passive range-of-motion exercises should be performed slowly and gently. Moving the joints too quickly may cause discomfort or injury. The emphasis is on smooth, controlled movements to promote joint flexibility without causing harm.
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