A nurse is caring for a client who is anxious about being admitted to a health care facility for the first time. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Loosen the client's bed linens:

For support surfaces to be effective, there must be minimal layering in between the device and the person. A single sheet that can be kept dry and crease free is optimal. Loosening linens can help make the client more comfortable by reducing pressure and friction on the skin, but it does not directly address the client's acute pain from a pressure injury.

B. Provide bright lights in the client's room:

Bright lights may not be directly relevant to managing acute pain from a pressure injury. In fact, some clients may prefer a dimly lit environment when experiencing pain. Therefore, this option is not the most appropriate for pain management in this case.

C. Massage the client's sacrum:

Massaging the client's sacrum is not recommended when there is a pressure injury, as this could further damage the tissue and exacerbate the injury.

D. Offer to play music in the client's room:

Music therapy is a widely recognized nonpharmacological intervention for pain management. Listening to music can reduce the perception of pain by distracting the client, promoting relaxation, and triggering the release of endorphins. This approach is safe, inexpensive, and can be tailored to the client’s preferences.

A. Prepare the client for surgery:
In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.
B. Obtain consent from the surgeon:
The surgeon is not the appropriate person to obtain consent from in this situation. Informed consent should ideally come from the client or a legal surrogate decision-maker, depending on the circumstances. Surgeons are responsible for discussing the procedure with the patient or their authorized representative before surgery, but obtaining consent is not the nurse's role.
C. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance:
While the ethics committee may provide guidance in complex ethical situations, the immediate concern in this emergency situation is to address the client's life-threatening condition. The nurse should prioritize actions that ensure the client receives timely and necessary medical care.
D. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent:
While obtaining consent from a family member is ideal, waiting for consent can delay critical and time-sensitive interventions. In emergency situations, the priority is to provide necessary medical care promptly to stabilize the client. If there is no one available to give consent immediately, healthcare providers may proceed with necessary interventions to preserve life and limb.