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
Proceed with provision of medical care.
- 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 C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering terbutaline is used to stop or slow down preterm labor contractions. In the given scenario, the client is in the latent phase of labor and is experiencing severe back pain. Terbutaline is not indicated for back pain during labor.
Choice B rationale:
Placing the client in a warm bath can provide comfort and relaxation, but it may not specifically alleviate back pain during labor. Additionally, warm baths are more commonly used for pain relief in early labor or during the active phase, not specifically for back pain.
Choice C rationale:
Applying counterpressure during each contraction is an appropriate intervention for relieving back pain during labor. Back pain is a common discomfort experienced by many women during labor, and counterpressure, often applied by a support person or nurse, can help alleviate the discomfort. It is a non-pharmacological method that can be effective in managing pain during labor.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting the provider prescribe a pudendal nerve block is not the first-line intervention for back pain during labor. Pudendal nerve blocks are used for pain relief during the second stage of labor (during delivery) and are typically administered by the provider if needed. It is not the appropriate intervention for back pain in the latent phase of labor.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Activating the fire alarm system is the second action the nurse should take after rescuing the individuals in the area.
Choice B rationale:
Obtaining and using a fire extinguisher should only be attempted by personnel trained to do so. Using a fire extinguisher incorrectly can escalate the fire or cause harm to individuals in the vicinity. The priority is to evacuate and let trained personnel handle the fire.
Choice C rationale:
Evacuating clients from the area is an essential and immediate step. Evacuation ensures the safety of everyone in the area, preventing potential harm due to smoke inhalation or fire spread.
Choice D rationale:
Closing the doors and windows on the unit can help contain the fire and prevent its spread. However, this action should be taken after activating the fire alarm system and initiating the evacuation process. Closing doors and windows can buy some time and limit the fire's oxygen supply, but it should not delay the evacuation procedure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.