A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about medically futile treatment. The nurse should include which of the following as an example of medically futile treatment?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Explaining the steps of a surgical procedure to a client is not unprofessional, but a professional duty of a nurse. A nurse should provide accurate and relevant information to the client about their health condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes, in order to help them make informed decisions and prepare for the procedure¹.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Witnessing a client consent for a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional responsibility of a nurse. A nurse should act as a witness to the client's signature on the consent form, and ensure that the consent process was conducted properly, ethically, and legally².
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Confirming that a client appears competent to consent to a surgical procedure is unprofessional, as it is not within the scope of practice of a nurse. A nurse cannot assess or determine the client's mental capacity or competence to consent, as this requires a medical evaluation by a physician or a psychologist³. A nurse can only observe and report the client's behavior, mood, and cognition to the health care team.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Verifying that a client voluntarily gave consent to a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional obligation of a nurse. A nurse should ensure that the client's consent was given freely, without any coercion, manipulation, or undue influence from others². A nurse should also respect the client's right to withdraw or change their consent at any time².

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because psychiatric history is not the most urgent assessment to make for a client who reports feeling depressed and anxious. Psychiatric history can provide valuable information about the client's diagnosis, treatment, and response, but it is not a priority over the client's safety and wellbeing.
Choice B reason: This statement is correct because suicide risk is the most urgent assessment to make for a client who reports feeling depressed and anxious. Suicide risk can indicate the client's level of hopelessness, despair, and intent to harm themselves. The nurse should assess the client's suicidal thoughts, plans, means, and access, and implement appropriate interventions to prevent self harm or suicide.
Choice C reason: This statement is incorrect because support systems are not the most urgent assessment to make for a client who reports feeling depressed and anxious. Support systems can provide emotional, social, and practical assistance to the client, but they are not a priority over the client's safety and wellbeing.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because coping abilities are not the most urgent assessment to make for a client who reports feeling depressed and anxious. Coping abilities can reflect the client's strategies and skills to manage their stress and emotions, but they are not a priority over the client's safety and wellbeing.