A charge nurse on a medical-surgical unit is anticipating an emergency response plan following an external disaster in the community. Which of the following current clients should the nurse recommend for early discharge?

Choice A reason: Asking for more information about the surgery indicates the client seeks clarification but does not confirm understanding of informed consent. Informed consent requires comprehension of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, with agreement to proceed. This statement reflects curiosity, not confirmation of understanding, making it insufficient to demonstrate informed consent.
Choice B reason: Planning to ask the doctor about the surgery in the operating room suggests the client has not yet received or understood the necessary information. Informed consent must be obtained before entering the operating room, with full comprehension of risks and benefits. This statement indicates a lack of prior understanding, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Stating understanding of the risks, benefits, and agreement to the procedure demonstrates informed consent. This reflects that the client has been educated about the knee arthroplasty, including potential complications like infection or blood clots, and alternatives, and voluntarily agrees to proceed. This meets legal and ethical standards, indicating full comprehension and consent.
Choice D reason: Having family sign the consent form is inappropriate unless the client lacks decision-making capacity, which is not indicated. Informed consent requires the competent client’s understanding and agreement. This statement suggests reliance on others, not personal comprehension of the procedure’s risks and benefits, making it an incorrect indicator of understanding.

Choice A reason: Contacting a family member weekly does not directly address fall prevention for a senior living alone. While social support is valuable, it does not mitigate physical fall risks like environmental hazards. This response fails to provide practical safety measures, making it inadequate for the client’s concern.
Choice B reason: Suggesting a move to a skilled nursing facility is extreme and dismisses the client’s autonomy to remain at home. Many seniors can live safely with modifications like grab bars or assistive devices. This response does not address immediate fall prevention strategies, making it inappropriate and overly restrictive.
Choice C reason: Having an unlicensed assistive person stay daily is impractical and costly for fall prevention. It does not address environmental hazards, the primary cause of falls. Home modifications and assistive devices are more effective and sustainable, making this response less appropriate than environmental safety measures.
Choice D reason: Installing grab bars and removing loose rugs directly reduces fall risks by improving stability and eliminating tripping hazards. These evidence-based modifications are effective for seniors living alone, enhancing safety without compromising independence. This response addresses the client’s fear with practical, actionable solutions, making it correct.