A nurse is caring for a 2-month-old infant who has Hirschsprung disease (HD). Which of the following areas should the nurse assess for manifestations of HD?

(You will find hot spots to select in the artwork below. Select only the hot spot that corresponds to your answer.)

A. This is correct because discomfort while walking can indicate genital trauma or infection, which are possible signs of sexual abuse.
B. This is incorrect because thin extremities can be caused by many factors, such as malnutrition, genetic disorders, or chronic diseases, that are not necessarily related to sexual abuse.
C. This is incorrect because bruises on the upper back can result from accidental injuries, such as falls or bumps, or from physical abuse, such as hitting or kicking, but not specifically from sexual abuse.
D. This is incorrect because a stained shirt can be due to poor hygiene, food spills, or environmental factors, but not necessarily from sexual abuse.

Choice A reason

Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.

Choice B reason

Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.

Choice C reason

Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Choice D reason

When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.