A nurse is witnessing a surgeon obtain informed consent from a client. Which of the following legal requirements is met by this action?
The client knows they may no longer refuse the procedure.
The nurse explained the surgical procedure in detail.
The nurse explained the risks and benefits of the surgery.
The client agreed to the procedure voluntarily.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Informed consent does not prevent a client from refusing the procedure, as they retain the right to withdraw consent at any time before or during the process. This statement is incorrect, as it misrepresents the client’s autonomy and legal rights under informed consent principles.
Choice B reason: The nurse’s role in witnessing consent is to verify the client’s voluntary agreement, not to explain the procedure in detail. The surgeon or provider is responsible for detailed explanations, making this action outside the nurse’s scope in this context and incorrect.
Choice C reason: Explaining risks and benefits is the surgeon’s responsibility, not the nurse’s when witnessing consent. The nurse ensures the client understands and agrees voluntarily but does not provide the explanation, making this an incorrect description of the nurse’s role in the process.
Choice D reason: The client’s voluntary agreement is a core legal requirement of informed consent, which the nurse verifies as a witness. This ensures the client understands the procedure, risks, and benefits and consents without coercion, aligning with ethical and legal standards, making it correct.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not linked to morphine toxicity. Morphine, an opioid, depresses the central nervous system, reducing reflexes. Hyperactive reflexes suggest neurological or stimulant effects, not opioid overdose, which primarily causes respiratory and consciousness depression in affected clients.
Choice B reason: Fluid retention is not a primary sign of morphine toxicity. Morphine may cause urinary retention via sphincter tone increase, but fluid overload is unrelated. Toxicity manifests as respiratory depression or sedation, driven by mu-opioid receptor overstimulation, not fluid balance alterations.
Choice C reason: Prolonged QT interval is associated with medications like antiarrhythmics, not morphine. Morphine toxicity primarily causes respiratory depression and sedation via central nervous system effects. Cardiac effects are rare, and QT prolongation is not a hallmark of opioid overdose in clinical settings.
Choice D reason: Bradypnea indicates morphine toxicity, as opioids depress the brainstem’s respiratory center via mu-receptor overstimulation. This slows breathing, risking hypoxia and respiratory arrest, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate intervention like naloxone to reverse opioid effects and restore normal respiratory function.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
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