A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client transferred from another department. The nurse should verify that the client has given informed consent prior to which of the following procedures?
Removal of staples from a surgical wound.
Providing a sputum specimen.
Receiving moderate sedation.
Collection of a blood specimen for ABGS.
The Correct Answer is C
Answer is c. Receiving moderate sedation.
a. Removal of staples from a surgical wound: This procedure is typically considered routine and minimally invasive, involving the removal of staples used for wound closure. While it involves physical manipulation of the wound site, it does not carry significant risks or require the alteration of the patient's consciousness. Therefore, obtaining informed consent for this procedure is not typically necessary as it falls within the standard of care for post-operative wound management.
b. Providing a sputum specimen: Collecting a sputum specimen is a non-invasive procedure commonly performed to aid in the diagnosis of respiratory conditions such as infections or chronic lung diseases. It involves expectorating mucus from the respiratory tract, which does not pose significant risks to the patient. As such, informed consent is usually not required for this procedure since it is relatively simple and does not involve any invasive interventions or alteration of consciousness.
c. Receiving moderate sedation: Correct. Moderate sedation involves the administration of drugs, typically benzodiazepines or opioids, to induce a state of decreased consciousness and relaxation while maintaining the patient's ability to respond to verbal commands and physical stimulation. This procedure carries inherent risks, including respiratory depression, cardiovascular complications, and potential allergic reactions to the medications used. Due to the potential for adverse effects and the altered state of consciousness induced by moderate sedation, informed consent is necessary to ensure that patients understand the risks and benefits of the procedure before it is performed.
d. Collection of a blood specimen for ABGs: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis involves the collection of a blood sample from an artery, typically the radial artery in the wrist, to assess the patient's acid-base balance, oxygenation status, and ventilation. While this procedure does involve puncturing the skin and accessing the arterial blood supply, it is considered a standard diagnostic test in many clinical settings. However, the invasiveness of the procedure and potential risks such as bleeding, hematoma formation, and arterial injury may necessitate informed consent in certain situations, especially if the patient has underlying coagulopathies or other risk factors that could increase the likelihood of complications.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status.
Choice A: Assess the client’s incision every 8 hours for the first 48 hours. While it is important to monitor the incision site for signs of infection, the frequency of every 8 hours for the first 48 hours may not be necessary unless specified by the surgeon or the patient’s condition warrants it.
Choice B: Inform the assistive personnel of the client’s weight-bearing status. This is the correct answer. After a total hip arthroplasty, it’s crucial to communicate the client’s weight-bearing status to all members of the healthcare team, including assistive personnel. This helps ensure that everyone is aware of the client’s mobility limitations and can assist the client safely.
Choice C: Instruct the client to cross their legs at the ankles when sitting in a chair. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised not to cross their legs to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint.
Choice D: Teach the client’s partner to assist the client to flex the hip at least 120° each hour. This is not recommended. After a hip arthroplasty, patients are typically advised to avoid flexing the hip more than 90 degrees to prevent dislocation of the new hip joint1. Therefore, flexing the hip at least 120° each hour could potentially harm the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ethics committees are tasked with providing guidance and recommendations in ethical dilemmas. They don't make the final decisions, but rather facilitate discussions and help individuals involved in the situation to weigh the options and make informed choices. This is consistent with the committee's role in addressing complex ethical decisions.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a legal representative for the family is not the primary role of an ethics committee. Legal representation is a separate matter and might be considered in situations where there are legal implications, but the committee's primary function is to address ethical concerns and conflicts.
Choice C rationale:
While ethics committees can offer recommendations, their focus is not necessarily on determining the best course of action for the client. Instead, they help individuals explore ethical principles and values to make decisions that align with the client's best interests.
Choice D rationale:
The ethics committee does not make decisions on behalf of the nursing team. Its role is to provide guidance and promote ethical discussions. Deciding how the nursing team should resolve the dilemma is beyond the committee's scope.
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