A nurse is teaching a class at a local senior center regarding safety in the home. A client states, “I am afraid of falling because I live alone and have no one to help me.” Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Asking for more information about the surgery indicates the client seeks clarification but does not confirm understanding of informed consent. Informed consent requires comprehension of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, with agreement to proceed. This statement reflects curiosity, not confirmation of understanding, making it insufficient to demonstrate informed consent.
Choice B reason: Planning to ask the doctor about the surgery in the operating room suggests the client has not yet received or understood the necessary information. Informed consent must be obtained before entering the operating room, with full comprehension of risks and benefits. This statement indicates a lack of prior understanding, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Stating understanding of the risks, benefits, and agreement to the procedure demonstrates informed consent. This reflects that the client has been educated about the knee arthroplasty, including potential complications like infection or blood clots, and alternatives, and voluntarily agrees to proceed. This meets legal and ethical standards, indicating full comprehension and consent.
Choice D reason: Having family sign the consent form is inappropriate unless the client lacks decision-making capacity, which is not indicated. Informed consent requires the competent client’s understanding and agreement. This statement suggests reliance on others, not personal comprehension of the procedure’s risks and benefits, making it an incorrect indicator of understanding.

Choice A reason: Checking patency every 8 hours is inadequate for closed wound drainage systems, which require more frequent monitoring (e.g., every 4 hours) to detect blockages. Delayed checks risk fluid buildup, increasing infection or seroma risk, critical in postoperative wound management.
Choice B reason: Emptying the drainage system every 24 hours may be insufficient, as frequency depends on volume. Systems like Jackson-Pratt drains need emptying when half-full to maintain suction, preventing complications like infection, requiring flexible, volume-based schedules rather than fixed intervals.
Choice C reason: Securing the drainage system to the gown prevents dislodgement, maintaining suction and reducing infection risk. It supports mobility while stabilizing the system, preventing wound tension. This is critical for effective drainage and healing in postoperative clients with closed systems.
Choice D reason: Replacing the drainage system every 3 days is unnecessary unless infection or malfunction occurs. Routine replacement risks introducing pathogens or disrupting healing. Systems remain until drainage decreases, guided by clinical assessment, not a fixed schedule, to ensure safety.