A postmenopausal woman with uterine prolapse is being fitted with a pessary. The nurse would be most alert for which side effect?

Choice A: The social worker is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The social worker is a professional who provides psychosocial support and advocacy for clients and families, such as counseling, referrals, or discharge planning.

Choice B: The nurse is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The nurse is a professional who provides direct care and education for clients and families, such as assessment, medication administration, or teaching. However, the nurse can assist the physician in obtaining informed consent by witnessing the client's signature, verifying the client's understanding, or documenting the process.

Choice C: The physician is the correct answer because they are legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The physician is a professional who diagnoses and treats clients and families, such as performing surgery, prescribing medication, or ordering tests. The physician must explain the purpose, benefits, risks, alternatives, and consequences of the procedure to the client and obtain their voluntary agreement before proceeding.

Choice D: The unit secretary is not the correct answer because they are not legally responsible for obtaining informed consent for an invasive procedure. The unit secretary is a staff member who performs clerical and administrative tasks for the unit, such as answering phones, filing records, or scheduling appointments.

Choice A: Protrusion of the posterior bladder wall downward through the anterior vaginal wall is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called cystocele. A cystocele occurs when the bladder pushes into the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.

Choice B: Bulging of the small intestine through the posterior vaginal wall is the correct answer because it describes an enterocele. Enterocele occurs when the small intestine slides into a pouch between the rectum and vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.

Choice C: Descent of the uterus through the pelvic floor into the vagina is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops down into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.

Choice D: Sagging of the rectum with the pressure exerted against the posterior vaginal wall is not the correct answer because it describes a different condition called rectocele. Rectocele occurs when the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.