A nurse manager is discussing critical pathway use during a staff meeting. Which of the following information should the nurse manager include as an outcome of critical pathway use?

A. The nurse is responsible for disclosing the expected outcomes of the proposed treatment is incorrect. It is the provider’s responsibility to explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, not the nurse's. The nurse's role is to reinforce the information provided by the provider.

B. Consent can be verbal or written is incorrect. While some minor procedures may involve implied or verbal consent, informed consent for major procedures, surgeries, or treatments must be written and signed by the client.

C. Nurses rely on consent to perform interventions is incorrect. While consent is important, routine nursing interventions (such as administering medications or checking vital signs) are covered under general consent given at admission. Informed consent is specifically required for invasive or high-risk procedures.

D. The nurse's signature indicates they witnessed the client's signature is correct. The nurse's role in informed consent is to witness the client signing the document and ensure they signed voluntarily, without coercion, and with full understanding of the procedure as explained by the provider.

A. A client who has peripheral vascular disease and has an absent pedal pulse in the right foot is the highest priority. An absent pedal pulse indicates potential arterial occlusion, which could lead to tissue ischemia and necrosis if not addressed promptly. This situation is critical and requires immediate intervention to restore circulation and prevent permanent damage.

B. A client who has methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and has an axillary temperature of 38°C (101°F) is not the highest priority. A mild fever in a client with MRSA indicates infection, but it is not immediately life-threatening. This client needs monitoring and possible adjustment of antibiotics, but the situation does not require urgent intervention.

C. A client who is postoperative following a laminectomy 12 hr ago and is unable to void is concerning, as it could indicate a complication such as urinary retention or spinal nerve damage. However, it is not immediately life-threatening and can be addressed after the more critical issue of a potential arterial occlusion in the client with peripheral vascular disease

D. A client who is newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and is scheduled to begin IV chemotherapy: While this client's diagnosis and treatment plan are significant, they may not require immediate intervention compared to the potential complications of urinary retention in the postoperative client.