A nurse is assisting with the preparation of an in-service to review the Code of Ethics (COE) with a group of nursing colleagues. Which of the following statements should the nurse make during the in-service about the COE?

Choice A reason:A nurse explaining the details or steps of a surgical procedure goes beyond their professional scope. Providing detailed procedural explanations is the role of the surgeon or primary provider, as they possess the medical expertise and legal responsibility to ensure informed consent. When a nurse provides such explanations, it can cause misinformation, legal liability, and confusion for the patient, making this behavior unprofessional.
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:A nurse confirming client competency to provide consent is also within professional practice. This involves assessing whether the client is alert, oriented, and able to make decisions. Ensuring competency helps protect the client’s rights and supports ethical nursing practice.
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: Client's skin is pale and diaphoretic is not included in the subjective component, but in the objective component. The objective component records the measurable and observable data that the nurse collects from the client, such as vital signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.
Choice B reason: Client reports chest pain after mowing lawn this morning is included in the subjective component. The subjective component records the data that the client verbalizes or expresses, such as symptoms, feelings, preferences, and beliefs.
Choice C reason: Client administered nitroglycerin 0.3 mg SL for chest pain is not included in the subjective component, but in the plan component. The plan component records the interventions and actions that the nurse implements or plans to implement for the client, such as medications, treatments, referrals, and education.
Choice D reason: Client's blood pressure is 182/98 mm Hg is not included in the subjective component, but in the objective component. The objective component records the measurable and observable data that the nurse collects from the client, such as vital signs, physical examination findings, and laboratory results.