A nurse is preparing to give a change-of-shift report on a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total knee arthroscopy. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the report?

Choice A reason

Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.

Choice B reason

Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.

Choice C reason

Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Choice D reason

When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.

The correct answer is D.

Verify the medication three times with the medication administration record. The nurse should follow the six rights of medication administration: right client, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation. To ensure the right drug and dose, the nurse should check the medication label against the medication administration record (MAR) three times: before removing the medication from the storage area, before preparing or measuring the medication, and before administering the medication to the client.

The nurse should also use two identifiers (such as name and date of birth) to verify the right client. The nurse should document medication administration after giving the medication, not before, to avoid errors and ensure accuracy. The nurse should administer time-critical medications within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time, not 60 minutes.