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

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale

A. While it is important background information, it is not directly relevant to the acute change in the client's condition (increasing confusion and agitation). Therefore, this should not be provided first in the SBAR communication.

B. Knowing the client's current medications is important for understanding any potential causes or exacerbating factors related to the sudden onset of confusion and agitation. However, this is also background information and does not immediately address the acute change in the client's condition.

C. This is the most critical piece of information to provide first in the SBAR communication. Sudden onset of increasing confusion and agitation can indicate various urgent issues such as delirium, infection, metabolic disturbances, or neurological complications. This requires immediate attention and intervention from the healthcare provider.

D. While knowing the client's healthcare power of attorney is important for ensuring appropriate decision-making if needed, it is not urgent information in the context of reporting a sudden change in the client's condition. This can be discussed later in the SBAR communication or as part of the background information if relevant to the client's care.

A. Flat jugular vein distention (JVD) at 45 degrees. B. Abnormal level of consciousness. C. Nausea with vomiting. D. Headache with sudden onset.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Rationale

A. JVD is typically an indicator of increased central venous pressure and can be associated with heart failure or fluid overload. In this scenario, flat JVD suggests decreased venous return, which may exacerbate the client's hypotension. While important, it may not be the most immediate concern compared to other options.

B. Changes in consciousness, such as confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness, are critical signs that indicate poor cerebral perfusion. In this case, the rapid ventricular rate and possibly inadequate cardiac output may not be meeting cerebral perfusion needs, leading to altered mental status. This finding requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration.

C. Nausea and vomiting can indicate inadequate perfusion to the gastrointestinal tract due to hypotension or impaired cardiac output. While important to assess for fluid and electrolyte balance, it is less urgent compared to potential changes in mental status or perfusion to vital organs.

D. A sudden onset headache can be indicative of various issues, including hypertension, cerebral ischemia, or intracranial hemorrhage. However, in the context of atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response and hypotension, other neurological signs such as altered mental status or focal neurological deficits would typically be more concerning.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client has developed atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate of 150 beats/minute observed via telemetry. The client's blood pressure is 80/40 mm Hg. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While taking vital signs, a critically ill male client grabs the nurse's hand and asks the nurse not to leave. What action is best for the nurse to take?

When the nurse attempts to teach self-administration of insulin injections to a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), the client tells the nurse in a loud voice to leave the room. Which action should the nurse take?

A client with septic shock develops disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which pathophysiologic process should the nurse recognize as the cause of the coagulation problem?

When developing a teaching plan for a client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse should explain that an increased thirst is an early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which action should the nurse instruct the client to implement if this sign of DKA occurs?

The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic cefdinir 300 mg PO every 12 hours for a client with a postoperative wound infection. Which foods should the nurse encourage this client to eat?

In caring for a client following a head injury, the nurse plans to assess for rhinorrhea so that a sample can be tested for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). At which location should the nurse observe for this finding? (Click the chosen location. To change, click on the new location.)