A nurse is preparing to remove an NG tube for a client who is postoperative following colon surgery. In which order should the nurse perform the following steps?

(Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Choice A Reason:

Checking the medical record for the client's signature on a previous consent form is incorrect. While a previous consent form might exist in the medical records, for certain procedures or situations, specific, current consent for each instance is often necessary. Verifying a previous consent form may not ensure the client's informed consent for the current procedure.

Choice B Reason:

Having another nurse co-sign the client's consent is incorrect. Co-signing a client's consent by another nurse doesn't substitute for the client's own signature and may not adequately verify the client's informed decision and understanding of the procedure.

Choice C Reason:

Obtaining verbal consent from the client is incorrect. While obtaining verbal consent is important, for invasive procedures like catheter insertion, it's essential to have written, witnessed consent to ensure proper documentation and confirmation that the client is fully informed and agrees to the procedure.

Choice D Reason:

Witnessing the client's signature on a consent form is correct. Express consent for medical procedures typically involves the client signing a consent form after being adequately informed about the procedure, its potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. Witnessing the client's signature on a consent form ensures that the client has provided informed consent for the specific procedure.

Choice A Reason:

"I can't change my mind about the care I will receive once I sign my living will." Is incorrect.

This statement suggests a misconception that signing a living will locks in a permanent decision, whereas advance directives can usually be updated or modified as long as the individual is competent to do so.

Choice B Reason:

"If I want life support, I'll need to sign a separate consent form first." Is incorrect. While the concept of a consent form for specific treatments is relevant, it might not fully reflect the broader scope of advance directives, which encompass a range of healthcare preferences beyond just life support.

Choice C Reason:

"I'm glad to have the opportunity to choose what kind of care I receive while I still can." Is correct. This statement reflects the understanding that advance directives offer the opportunity to make decisions about the type of care the client wishes to receive or avoid, empowering them to express their preferences while they are still able to do so.

Choice D Reason:

"Once I fill out my living will, there will be a 1-month delay before it is legally binding." Is incorrect. There isn't typically a standardized waiting period before an advance directive becomes legally binding. The legal validity and activation of advance directives vary by region, but they usually become effective immediately upon completion unless stated otherwise or specific requirements apply.