A client who is unconscious and has extensive internal injuries arrives via ambulance to the emergency department. The staff cannot reach the client's family. Which of the following permits the staff to proceed with emergency surgery?

Choice A Reason:
Raising all four side rails on the bed of a confused client can be considered a form of restraint, which should be avoided unless necessary for the safety of the patient. It may infringe on the client's autonomy and dignity.
Choice B Reason:
Electing not to care for a client who had an abortion is discriminatory and violates the principle of nonmaleficence (doing no harm). Nurses have a professional obligation to provide care to all patients regardless of their personal beliefs or circumstances.
Choice C Reason:
Withholding nutrition from a client with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order without clear medical indications goes against the principle of beneficence and could be considered unethical. Nutritional support is a basic aspect of care that should not be withheld unless it is medically indicated or aligns with the patient's wishes.
Choice D Reason:
A nurse administers prescribed opioids to a client who has a terminal illness and respiratory rate of 8/min represents ethical practice because administering prescribed opioids to a client with a terminal illness and a respiratory rate of 8/min is appropriate and aligns with the principle of beneficence. The nurse's action aims to alleviate the client's pain and suffering, which is essential in end-of-life care.

Choice A Reason:
Good Samaritan Act is incorrect. The Good Samaritan Act typically provides legal protection to individuals who provide assistance during emergency situations, but it does not specifically address consent for medical treatment. It protects individuals from liability when providing reasonable assistance in emergency situations.
Choice B Reason:
Nonmaleficence is incorrect. Nonmaleficence is an ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to do no harm. While it guides healthcare professionals in prioritizing patient safety and well-being, it does not provide legal authority to proceed with medical treatment without consent.
Choice C Reason:
Living will is incorrect. A living will be a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. However, if the client's living will does not specifically address the circumstances of emergency surgery, it may not apply in this situation.
Choice D Reason:
Implied consent is correct. Implied consent allows healthcare providers to proceed with necessary medical treatment when it is reasonable to assume that the patient would consent if they were able to do so. In emergency situations where a patient is unconscious or unable to provide consent, and efforts to reach family members are unsuccessful, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment based on the principle of implied consent to prevent further harm or loss of life.