A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The client states, "I have decided not to have the surgery." Which of the following responses should the nurse make to the client?

Rationale for Correct Choices:

• Macrosomia: Post-term infants (≥ 42 weeks) are at higher risk of excessive birth weight due to prolonged nutrient exposure in utero. Larger infants are prone to birth trauma, shoulder dystocia, and hypoglycemia after delivery.

• Meconium aspiration syndrome: Thick green amniotic fluid indicates meconium passage in utero, likely due to fetal stress from prolonged labor and late decelerations. Inhalation of meconium-stained fluid at birth can cause airway obstruction, chemical pneumonitis, and respiratory distress.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: This chronic lung disease is typically a complication in premature infants requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and high oxygen concentrations, not in post-term newborns.

• Intraventricular haemorrhage: This complication is primarily seen in premature infants with fragile germinal matrix vessels; it is uncommon in term or post-term neonates unless there is severe birth trauma or asphyxia.

A. Expected outcome of the procedure: The provider must explain the anticipated results of the colon resection so the client can make an informed decision about proceeding with the surgery.

B. Potential complications: The client should be informed of the risks and possible adverse events associated with the procedure, which is essential for informed consent.

C. Cost of the procedure: Financial information is not required for informed consent. While helpful for planning, it is not part of the medical disclosure required by the provider.

D. Explanation of the procedure: A clear description of the surgical steps allows the client to understand what the procedure entails, which is a fundamental component of informed consent.

E. Possible alternative treatments: The client must be aware of other treatment options, including the choice of no treatment, to make an informed decision regarding surgery.