An unresponsive victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save the client's life. The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available. Which action should the nurse take first?

Ask the client's friend to sign the informed consent since the client is unresponsive.

Notify the unit manager that an emergency court order is needed to allow surgery.

Carry on with surgical preparation of the client without a signed informed consent.

Continue to provide life support until a thorough search for a guardian is completed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale

A. The client's friend may not legally be authorized to provide consent unless they hold medical power of attorney or legal guardianship for the client. Without documentation of such authority, the friend cannot sign the informed consent.

B. In emergency situations where a patient lacks decision-making capacity and there is no available legal guardian or next of kin to provide consent, hospitals may seek a court order to proceed with necessary treatment. However, this could delay emergency treatment.

C. This is based on the legal and ethical understanding that saving the patient's life takes precedence when immediate action is required and consent cannot be obtained.

D. Providing life support ensures that the client's immediate medical needs are addressed while efforts are made to locate a legal guardian. However, unavailability of next of kin should not delay definitive intervention

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale

A. This client may require complex care related to liver disease and alcoholism, likely exceeding the scope of practice for a PN.

B. While this client requires specialized wound care and diabetes management, the tasks involved may be appropriate for a PN under RN supervision.

C. This client's care typically involves routine postoperative monitoring and interventions that are suitable for a PN under RN supervision.

D. This client requires specialized ostomy care and postoperative monitoring, which can generally be managed by a PN under RN supervision.

A. Wear a face mask while performing wound care. B. Instruct the family to adhere to contact precautions. C. Report any increase in the white blood cell count. D. Change the surgical dressing readily when soiled.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale

A. Wearing a face mask is a standard precaution to protect against airborne or droplet transmission of pathogens. However, MRSA is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected wounds or contaminated surfaces rather than through the air.

B. Contact precautions are essential for preventing the spread of MRSA. These precautions include wearing gloves and gowns when in direct contact with the client or potentially contaminated surfaces. However, this is not of immediate concern.

C. Monitoring the white blood cell count (WBC) is crucial in assessing for signs of infection, including wound infections. An increase in WBC count can indicate systemic infection or local wound infection, which might be related to MRSA. Early detection and prompt reporting allow for timely intervention, such as initiating appropriate antibiotic therapy or further wound assessment.

D. This is because maintaining a clean environment around the wound is crucial to prevent infection

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An unresponsive victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save the client's life. The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available. Which action should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which client is best to assign to the practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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