A nurse is caring for a client who is visibly upset and tearful about a recent terminal diagnosis. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. "It is my responsibility to obtain informed consent from the client prior to the procedure." is incorrect. It is the provider's responsibility to explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives to the client, not the nurse's. The nurse's role is to witness the signing of the consent form.

B. "I will sign the consent form to indicate that the client has received written materials explaining the procedure." is incorrect. The nurse's role is to witness the client's signature, but the nurse does not sign to indicate that the client has received written materials.

C. "I will provide the client with an explanation of the procedure before I sign the consent form." is incorrect. The nurse should not provide the explanation of the procedure; this is the responsibility of the provider. The nurse ensures that the client understands and is signing voluntarily.

D. "When I sign the consent form, I am stating that the client appears to be competent to give consent." is correct. The nurse’s role is to witness the signing of the consent form and ensure that the client appears to be competent to provide consent. The nurse does not provide the explanation but confirms that the client is signing voluntarily and understands the procedure.

A. "Communicate with personnel about the need for prophylaxis" is incorrect. While it is important to consider prophylaxis for those who may have been exposed to tuberculosis, the first priority is to minimize the risk of transmission from the client to others.

B. "Place a mask on the client" is correct. Placing a mask on the client is the first step in preventing the spread of tuberculosis. This helps contain respiratory droplets that could transmit the bacteria to others.

C. "Contact those who live with the client" is incorrect. While it is important to contact close contacts to assess their risk, this action comes after implementing infection control measures, such as placing a mask on the client.

D. "Notify the local health department" is incorrect. While the health department must be notified about a tuberculosis diagnosis, the immediate priority is to protect others from exposure by masking the client and using appropriate isolation precautions.