A nurse is preparing to obtain consent from a client who has a tibia fracture. The client received IV morphine sulfate prior to arrival on the unit and is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is Choice C.

Choice A rationale: Obtaining consent directly from a client who has received IV morphine sulfate is invalid due to impaired cognitive function. Morphine acts on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, reducing alertness, memory retention, and decision-making capacity. Informed consent requires full comprehension of risks, benefits, and alternatives. Morphine’s sedative effects compromise this standard. Normal Glasgow Coma Scale should be 15 for full alertness; sedation lowers this, rendering consent legally and ethically unsound.

Choice B rationale: The nurse cannot legally sign the consent on behalf of the client, even if the client is acknowledged. This violates the principle of autonomy and informed decision-making. The nurse’s role is to witness the client’s signature, not substitute it. Morphine impairs cognition, and any consent obtained under its influence is invalid. Legal standards require that the client be alert, oriented, and capable of understanding the procedure. Proxy consent must be pursued if capacity is compromised.

Choice C rationale: When a client is under the influence of opioids and lacks decision-making capacity, consent must be obtained from a legally authorized representative, such as a relative or healthcare proxy. Morphine alters consciousness and impairs executive function, making the client temporarily incompetent. Legal surrogates are empowered to make healthcare decisions in such cases. This ensures ethical compliance and protects patient rights. The nurse must verify documentation of proxy authority before proceeding with consent.

Choice D rationale: Delaying the procedure may be necessary if no authorized proxy is available, but it is not the first action. The priority is to identify and contact a legally authorized representative to obtain valid consent. Delays can compromise care, especially in urgent surgical cases. The nurse must act promptly to secure proxy consent, ensuring procedural integrity and patient safety. Only if no proxy is reachable should delay be considered, with documentation of rationale.