A nurse working on a surgical unit is developing a care plan for a client who has paraplegia. The client has an area of nonblanchable erythema over his ischium. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan?

Choice A reason: Saturated sanguinous drainage post-reinforcement signals excessive bleeding, potentially indicating hemorrhage or poor wound healing. Two hours postoperative, this suggests vascular injury or coagulopathy, requiring urgent provider notification to prevent hypovolemia, infection, or further complications in the surgical site.
Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation of 96% on 2 L/min nasal cannula is normal (95-100%), indicating stable respiratory status. This does not require reporting, as it reflects effective oxygenation post-surgery, with oxygen therapy appropriately supporting recovery without signs of respiratory distress.
Choice C reason: A pain level of 2/10 post-medication indicates effective pain control, not warranting immediate reporting. Postoperative pain management targets comfort (<4/10), and this level suggests successful analgesia, with no evidence of complications like nerve injury requiring provider intervention.
Choice D reason: Urine output of 50 mL/hr is normal (>30 mL/hr) post-catheter removal, indicating adequate renal perfusion. This does not require reporting, as it reflects normal kidney function and hydration status in the early postoperative period, absent other concerning symptoms.

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.