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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A) Ensure the client wears nonskid slippers when walking around the house:
Wearing nonskid slippers can help improve traction and stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces commonly found in homes. Ensuring the client wears nonskid slippers is a proactive measure to prevent falls.
B) Install a raised toilet seat in the client's bathroom:
A raised toilet seat can make it easier for older adults with mobility issues to sit down and stand up from the toilet safely. It reduces the distance the client needs to lower themselves, decreasing the risk of falls, especially for those with balance or strength limitations.
C) Encourage an annual review of the medications the client is taking:
Medication review is essential to identify any medications that may increase the risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension. An annual review ensures that any potential fall-inducing medications can be identified and addressed promptly.
D) Attach full-length side rails to the client's bed:
While side rails may prevent falls out of bed, they can also increase the risk of entrapment and injury. The use of side rails is controversial and should be based on individualized assessment and risk-benefit analysis. In many cases, alternative interventions to prevent falls should be considered before resorting to side rails.
E) Place throw rugs on uncarpeted floors in the client's home:
Throw rugs can be tripping hazards, especially for older adults with mobility issues. They can easily slip or bunch up, leading to falls. Removing throw rugs or securing them firmly to the floor is recommended to reduce the risk of falls in the home.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) The client reports insomnia:
Insomnia is a common symptom in Parkinson's disease but may not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or require urgent intervention compared to other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing.
B) The client requires additional help to stand:
While needing assistance to stand is indicative of the progression of Parkinson's disease and may require attention, it is not typically considered a priority over symptoms that directly impact the client's safety and well-being.
C) The client has increased difficulty dressing:
Increased difficulty dressing is a manifestation of Parkinson's disease progression and may impact the client's independence and quality of life. However, it is not as immediately life-threatening as difficulty swallowing.
D) The client has difficulty swallowing:
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is a serious concern in Parkinson's disease as it can lead to aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration, and respiratory complications such as pneumonia. It poses a significant risk to the client's safety and requires prompt attention to prevent complications. Therefore, it is the priority finding to report at the interprofessional care conference.
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