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.
Obtain consent from the surgeon.
Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance
Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent.
The Correct Answer is A
A. In an emergency situation where a patient is unconscious and unable to give consent, and there is no available family member or designated surrogate to provide consent, healthcare providers can proceed with life-saving treatment under the principle of implied consent. This principle assumes that a reasonable person would consent to treatment if they were able to do so.
B. The surgeon cannot give consent for the patient. Consent must come from the patient or a legally authorized representative.
C. In situations where consent cannot be obtained from the patient or a legally authorized representative, involving the ethics committee can be a prudent course of action. However, this may delay emergency care.
D. This option may be appropriate if there is a reasonable expectation that a family member or legally authorized representative will arrive within a reasonable timeframe. However, in emergency situations where immediate intervention is necessary to save the patient's life or prevent serious harm, waiting for consent may not be feasible.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. The three-point gait is used when the client can only bear weight on one leg. In this gait, the client advances both crutches and the affected leg together, followed by the unaffected leg. This sequence involves the client using both crutches and the unaffected leg for support while keeping the affected leg non-weight-bearing.
A. The four-point alternating gait involves alternating the movement of each crutch with each step of the opposite leg. This gait is often used for clients who need maximum stability but can bear weight on both legs.
B. The two-point alternating gait also involves alternating the movement of each crutch with each step of the opposite leg. This gait provides a faster and more natural rhythm than the four-point gait but still requires bilateral weight-bearing ability.
C. The swing-through gait involves advancing both crutches forward, followed by swinging both legs through between the crutches. This gait is typically used by clients who have good upper body strength and can bear weight on both legs but have difficulty with normal leg advancement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Demonstrates an understanding of safety considerations for an older adult with heart failure. Leaving a light on in the bathroom at night reduces the risk of falls, especially during nocturia (nighttime urination), which is common in heart failure due to fluid retention and diuretic use.
A. Taking a hot bath before bed can increase the risk of dehydration and may exacerbate symptoms of heart failure, as it can lead to further fluid loss through sweating.
B. Regular monitoring of weight is essential for clients with heart failure to assess for fluid retention and worsening heart failure symptoms. Weighing once weekly may not provide timely information to detect changes in fluid status.
C. While the timing of medication administration is important, particularly for diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide, which can increase urination, the optimal timing should be determined based on individual factors and healthcare provider recommendations. It's not specifically indicative of safety considerations related to heart failure and living at home.
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