A nurse is caring for a group of clients who are receiving physical therapy. Which of the following information regarding a client should the nurse report to the physical therapist?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because the Good Samaritan Act is a law that protects health care providers and other individuals from legal liability when they provide emergency care to someone who is injured or ill outside of a health care facility. The act does not apply to the staff in the emergency department, who are expected to follow the standards of care and obtain consent for treatment.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because implied consent is a type of consent that is assumed when a client is unable to give verbal or written consent due to their condition, and the treatment is necessary to save their life or prevent further harm. The staff can proceed with emergency surgery based on implied consent, as the client is unconscious and has extensive internal injuries that require immediate intervention.

Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because a living will is a document that expresses a client's wishes regarding their end-of-life care, such as whether they want to receive life-sustaining treatments or not. A living will does not apply to the client in this scenario, who is not terminally ill or in a persistent vegetative state, and who may recover from their injuries with surgery.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct choice because nonmaleficence is an ethical principle that means to do no harm or prevent harm to the client. Nonmaleficence does not permit the staff to proceed with emergency surgery, as it does not override the need for consent. The staff should also consider the principle of beneficence, which means to do good or promote the well-being of the client.

Choice A reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The incident report should not be sent to the ethics committee, as it is not a part of the client's record and does not involve ethical issues. The incident report should be sent to the risk management department, which is responsible for identifying and preventing potential hazards and liabilities in the health care setting.

Choice B reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The names of witnesses to the fall should not be listed in the nurses' notes, as they are not relevant to the client's care and may violate confidentiality. The names of witnesses should be included in the incident report, which is a confidential document that is not part of the client's record.

Choice C reason: This is an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The client's account of the fall should be included in the incident report, as it provides valuable information about the circumstances and causes of the fall. The incident report should also include the date, time, location, and description of the fall, the staff members involved, the interventions taken, and the client's condition and response.

Choice D reason: This is not an appropriate action by the staff nurse. The fact that an incident report was filed should not be documented in the client's record, as it may imply negligence or fault and may be used as evidence in a legal case. The incident report is a separate document that is used for quality improvement and risk management purposes.