A nurse manager is reviewing clients' rights with the nurses on the unit. The nurse manager should tell the nurses that informed consent promotes which of the following ethical principles?

A.PRN (as needed) restraint prescriptions are not appropriate because restraints should only be used in situations where there is an immediate need for safety and all other methods of de-escalation have failed. Restraint use must be based on a current assessment of the client's behavior, and a specific prescription should be obtained each time restraints are applied.

B.Restraints should be removed every 2 hours to assess the client's skin, circulation, and range of motion, and to provide an opportunity for toileting, hydration, and movement. Prolonged use without breaks increases the risk of complications such as skin breakdown or impaired circulation.

C.Attach the restraint to the bed's side rails. Restraints should not be attached to the bed's side rails because it can lead to serious injuries if the client attempts to climb over the side rails while restrained. Instead, restraints should be attached to specific restraint ties or straps that are part of the bed frame.

D.The client's condition, including circulation, skin integrity, and behavior, should be monitored and documented every 15 minutes while restraints are in use. This frequent assessment helps ensure the client’s safety and comfort, and allows for early identification of potential complications.

Choice A reason

Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.

Choice B reason

Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.

Choice C reason

Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Choice D reason

When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.