A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is unconscious and requires surgery. There is no one available to give consent for the treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Prepare the client for surgery.
Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance.
Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent.
Obtain consent from the surgeon.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Prepare the client for surgery: In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.
B. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance: Contacting the ethics committee can be helpful for guidance on how to handle consent issues in complex situations, but it might not provide a timely solution for immediate emergency situations.
C. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent: While stabilizing the client's condition is important, waiting for a family member to arrive to give consent may not be feasible in emergency situations where immediate treatment is necessary. The nurse should seek guidance from appropriate channels to determine the best course of action.
D. Obtain consent from the surgeon: Surgeons do not have the authority to provide consent for treatment on behalf of a client who is unconscious. Consent must come from a legally authorized decision-maker, such as the client themselves if they have previously provided informed consent, or a designated healthcare proxy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Eyewear: Eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield, should be removed after the mask. Eyewear protects the eyes from exposure to infectious respiratory droplets or aerosols. When removing eyewear, the nurse should handle it by the sides and avoid touching the front surface, which may be contaminated.
B. Gloves: Gloves are the first item to be removed when leaving the client's room. This is because gloves are in direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces or materials. Removing gloves first helps prevent the spread of pathogens from the gloves to other parts of the PPE or the nurse's skin.
C. Mask: After removing gloves, the nurse should remove the mask next. Masks are worn to protect the respiratory system from inhaling airborne infectious particles. When removing the mask, it's important to handle it by the straps or ties and avoid touching the front surface, which may have been exposed to pathogens.
D. Gown: The gown is the last item to be removed. Gowns provide coverage to protect clothing and skin from contamination. When removing the gown, it's important to do so carefully to avoid contaminating oneself or the surrounding environment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Check the blood product's compatibility with the client's blood type: Before administering packed red blood cells (RBCs) or any blood product, it is crucial to ensure that the blood product matches the client's blood type and is compatible. This is done to prevent transfusion reactions and ensure safe administration.
B. Prime the client's primary IV tubing with lactated Ringer's: While it is important to prime the IV tubing with an appropriate solution before starting the transfusion, this action does not directly indicate prior to the start of the infusion.
C. Check that the client has a small gauge IV catheter in place: Having an appropriate size and functioning IV catheter in place is important for administering blood products, but this action does not specifically indicate prior to the start of the infusion.
D. Confirm the identity of the client with the blood bank technician: Confirming the client's identity is an essential step in ensuring that the correct blood product is administered to the correct client. However, this action is typically done before the blood product is prepared and delivered to the client's location, rather than immediately before starting the infusion.
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