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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Have you tried holding your infant skin-to-skin?":
While skin-to-skin contact can be beneficial for infant bonding and comfort, the priority for a postoperative infant following a cleft palate repair is to ensure adequate feeding. While skin-to-skin contact can promote bonding and provide comfort, it does not directly address the infant's ability to latch on during breastfeeding, which is crucial for nutritional intake and healing postoperatively.
B) "Is your infant able to latch on during breastfeeding?":
This question addresses the priority concern for the nurse, which is the infant's ability to effectively latch on during breastfeeding. Adequate latch is essential for proper nutrition and hydration, especially for an infant recovering from a cleft palate repair surgery. The nurse needs to assess whether the infant can latch on properly to ensure adequate feeding and support optimal healing.
C) "What is your infant's level of activity?":
While assessing the infant's level of activity is important for overall health and well-being, it is not the priority question in this scenario. The nurse's primary focus should be on assessing the infant's feeding ability and ensuring adequate nutritional intake postoperatively.
D) "Have you considered joining a parents' support group?":
Joining a parents' support group can be valuable for emotional support and sharing experiences, but it is not the priority question in this situation. The immediate concern is ensuring the infant's nutritional needs are being met, particularly in the context of breastfeeding challenges following cleft palate repair surgery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) "I will contact the provider to let her know":
This response acknowledges the client's uncertainty about the procedure and indicates the nurse's commitment to address the client's concerns promptly by involving the healthcare provider. Contacting the provider allows for further discussion of the client's decision and consideration of any alternatives or additional information needed to support the client's choice.
B) "You should discuss your concerns with your family":
While involving family members in decision-making can be beneficial, especially for emotional support, the client's decision about the procedure is ultimately theirs to make. Encouraging discussion with family members without addressing the client's immediate concerns may not effectively address the situation.
C) "This procedure is perfectly safe":
Asserting the safety of the procedure without addressing the client's uncertainties or reasons for hesitation may not adequately address the client's concerns. It's essential to acknowledge and explore the client's apprehensions rather than dismissing them outright.
D) "Why are you changing your mind about the procedure?":
This response may come across as confrontational and may put the client on the defensive. It's important to approach the situation with empathy and support, allowing the client to express their concerns openly without feeling judged or pressured.
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