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
Explanation
A) I will take chemotherapy since my family wants me to:
This statement indicates a potential lack of autonomy and decision-making by the client. The nurse should act as a client advocate by ensuring that the client's decisions regarding treatment are based on their own wishes, values, and preferences, rather than solely on the desires of others.
B) I will discuss treatment options next week after thinking about this:
This statement demonstrates the client's intent to participate in the decision-making process regarding their treatment options. While it indicates autonomy and contemplation, it does not necessarily require the nurse to act as a client advocate at this time.
C) I do not want to have any surgery for my cancer:
This statement reflects the client's autonomy and preference regarding their treatment plan. While the nurse should respect the client's decision, it does not directly prompt the nurse to act as a client advocate.
D) I have contacted another surgeon to get a second opinion:
This statement shows the client's proactive approach to gathering additional information about their treatment options, which is commendable. However, it does not specifically indicate a need for the nurse to advocate for the client's rights or preferences.
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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