A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is unconscious and requires emergency medical procedures. The nurse is unable to locate members of the client's family to obtain consent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Contact the facility's ethics committee,
Obtain consent from the client's employer.
Limit care to comfort measures.
Proceed with provision of medical care.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Contact the facility's ethics committee: This is incorrect because it is not an urgent action and it does not address the client's immediate needs. The ethics committee can be consulted later if there are ethical dilemmas or conflicts regarding the client's care.
B. Obtain consent from the client's employer: This is incorrect because it is not a valid source of consent. The employer has no legal or ethical authority to make decisions for the client, unless they are also a designated surrogate or proxy.
C. Limit care to comfort measures: This is incorrect because it does not meet the standard of care for an emergency situation. The nurse has a duty to provide life-saving interventions for a client who is unconscious and requires emergency medical procedures, unless there is evidence of a valid advance directive that states otherwise.
D. Proceed with provision of medical care: This is correct because it follows the principle of implied consent, which assumes that a reasonable person would consent to emergency treatment if they were able to do so. The nurse should document the circumstances and continue to search for family members or other sources of consent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Borderline personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect, as well as marked impulsivity and recurrent suicidal behavior. The client's history of seeking counseling for relationship problems and self-inflicted lacerations are consistent with this disorder. Therefore, this choice is correct.
B. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for and violation of the rights of others, as well as a lack of remorse for one's actions. The client's behavior does not indicate this disorder. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
C. Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior, as well as a tendency to dramatize situations and exaggerate emotions. The client's behavior does not indicate this disorder. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
D. Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others, as well as a tendency to interpret others' motives as malevolent. The client's behavior does not indicate this disorder. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse: This choice suggests proceeding with medication administration but also informing the charge nurse. While it's important to communicate with the charge nurse regarding medication administration, in this scenario, there is no indication to hold the medication as the infant's heart rate is within the normal range. Therefore, alerting the charge nurse may not be necessary at this point.
b. Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment: This choice suggests holding the medication and documenting the cardiac assessment. However, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range for their age, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication. Holding the medication unnecessarily could delay treatment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes if the medication is needed.
c. Administer the medication and document the heart rate.
Since the infant's heart rate of 120 beats per minute falls within the normal range for a 2-month-old, there is no indication to hold the medication. Administering the digoxin as prescribed and documenting the heart rate before administration are appropriate actions. It's important to ensure accurate documentation to track the infant's response to the medication and monitor for any changes in heart rate.
d. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour: This choice suggests holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour. Again, since the infant's heart rate is within the normal range, there is no clinical indication to hold the medication or delay treatment. Rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour would be unnecessary and could potentially delay necessary medication administration.
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