A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for an invasive procedure that requires consent. When the nurse arrives at the bedside to obtain the client's signature they find that the client is asleep after receiving a sedative. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Send the client for the test with the unsigned form.
Wake the client and ask them to sign the form.
Obtain consent from a family member.
Inform the charge nurse.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Send the client for the test with the unsigned form:
This option is not appropriate because performing an invasive procedure without obtaining informed consent from the client violates ethical and legal principles. Proceeding without proper consent could lead to legal and ethical repercussions, and it is not considered a safe or acceptable practice.
B) Wake the client and ask them to sign the form:
Waking the client who has received a sedative to obtain their signature on the consent form is not advisable. The client may still be under the influence of the sedative, which could impair their ability to understand the information provided and make an informed decision. Additionally, obtaining consent in this manner may not be legally valid and could compromise the client's autonomy and rights.
C) Obtain consent from a family member:
While obtaining consent from a family member might seem like a reasonable option, it is not appropriate in this scenario without clear documentation of the client's inability to provide consent. Consent for medical procedures should ideally be obtained directly from the competent adult client unless they are incapacitated or unable to make decisions. In this case, the client is asleep due to the sedative, but there is no indication that they are incapable of providing consent. Therefore, relying on a family member's consent without attempting to obtain it from the client first may not be ethically or legally justified.
D) Inform the charge nurse:
This is the most appropriate action to take initially. Informing the charge nurse allows for consultation and guidance on how to proceed in this situation. The charge nurse may advise on the appropriate steps to follow, such as contacting the provider or waiting for the client to regain consciousness to obtain informed consent. It ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and in accordance with institutional policies and ethical standards.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Determine which clients need priority medical treatment: This task requires clinical judgment and assessment skills beyond the scope of practice for assistive personnel. Nurses are responsible for assessing clients' needs during emergencies and determining priority for medical treatment based on the severity of their conditions.
B) Answer questions from area residents who have health concerns: While it's important to provide information and support to those affected by the tornado, answering questions about health concerns requires knowledge and expertise in healthcare that is typically within the nurse's scope of practice. Nurses should address inquiries and provide education to ensure the well-being of the community.
C) Perform CPR for a client who is not breathing: This task can be delegated to assistive personnel if they are trained and competent in CPR. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest, prompt initiation of CPR can be life-saving. However, it's crucial to ensure that the assistive personnel are properly trained and certified in CPR before delegating this task.
D) Complete distal capillary refill checks for a client who has an open leg wound: While assessing capillary refill is an important aspect of wound care, performing this task for a client with an open leg wound requires specialized knowledge and skills in wound assessment and management. It falls within the scope of nursing practice and should not be delegated to assistive personnel.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Asking a staff member from another unit to complete the evaluation: While involving someone from another unit may offer an external perspective, it may not necessarily ensure impartiality. The evaluator should have direct knowledge of the nurse's performance to provide a fair assessment.
B) Focusing primarily on areas that need improvement: This approach may lead to a biased evaluation, as it overlooks the nurse's strengths and positive contributions. A comprehensive evaluation should consider both areas of strength and areas needing improvement to provide a balanced assessment.
C) Discussing the evaluation with the nurse manager: Consulting with the nurse manager about the evaluation could introduce bias, especially if the manager has preconceived notions about the nurse being evaluated. Peer evaluations should aim to be independent of managerial influence to maintain impartiality.
D) Linking the evaluation to predetermined standards: This is the correct approach to ensure impartiality in peer evaluation. By using predetermined standards or criteria, the evaluation process becomes objective and transparent. Evaluators can assess the nurse's performance against established benchmarks, reducing the influence of personal bias.
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