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. In an emergency situation where a patient is unconscious and unable to give consent, and there is no available family member or designated surrogate to provide consent, healthcare providers can proceed with life-saving treatment under the principle of implied consent. This principle assumes that a reasonable person would consent to treatment if they were able to do so.
B. The surgeon cannot give consent for the patient. Consent must come from the patient or a legally authorized representative.
C. In situations where consent cannot be obtained from the patient or a legally authorized representative, involving the ethics committee can be a prudent course of action. However, this may delay emergency care.
D. This option may be appropriate if there is a reasonable expectation that a family member or legally authorized representative will arrive within a reasonable timeframe. However, in emergency situations where immediate intervention is necessary to save the patient's life or prevent serious harm, waiting for consent may not be feasible.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
B. Vitamin D level- Low levels of vitamin D, as indicated by the client's 25-hydroxy D (vitamin D + D) levels below the reference range (24 ng/dL initially and 15 ng/dL at the 6-month follow-up), can contribute to osteoporosis. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
D. Activity level- The client reports a sedentary lifestyle and inability to exercise regularly. Lack of weight-bearing exercise can increase the risk of osteoporosis as weight-bearing exercises help maintain bone density.
A. Alcohol use- The client denies drinking alcohol, so alcohol use is not a risk factor in this case.
C. Lactose intolerant- Lactose intolerance does not directly increase the risk of osteoporosis. However, if the client avoids dairy products due to lactose intolerance, they may have lower calcium intake, which can affect bone health.
E. Smoking history- The client is described as a nonsmoker, so smoking is not a risk factor for osteoporosis in this case. Smoking is associated with decreased bone density and increased fracture risk.
F. Phosphorus level- Phosphorus levels within the normal range (3.4 mg/dL initially and 3.2 mg/dL at the 6-month follow-up) do not directly indicate increased risk for osteoporosis. However, phosphorus, along with calcium, is important for bone health.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. This statement shows a good understanding of measures to reduce the adverse effects of immobility. Regularly performing ankle and knee exercises helps promote circulation, prevent muscle atrophy, and reduce the risk of DVT and joint stiffness. Hourly exercises are an excellent practice to mitigate the negative effects of immobility.
A. This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Holding the breath while changing positions can lead to a Valsalva maneuver, which can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure and increase the risk of dizziness or fainting, especially in immobile clients. Instead, clients should be encouraged to breathe normally and rise slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension.
B. This frequency of position changes is inadequate for preventing pressure ulcers. It is generally recommended to change positions at least every 2 hours to prevent pressure on any one area of the body for too long. Therefore, this statement indicates a partial understanding but needs adjustment to more frequent position changes.
C. Antiembolic stockings (TED hose) are designed to promote venous return and reduce the risk of DVT. They are typically worn continuously, except during hygiene routines or as directed by a healthcare
provider. Removing them while in bed could increase the risk of thrombus formation. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of their purpose and usage.
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