A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is unconscious and requires emergency medical procedures. The nurse is unable to locate members of the client's family to obtain consent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Contact the facility's ethics committee
Obtain consent from the client's employer
Limit care to comfort measures
Proceed with provision of medical care
The Correct Answer is D
Proceed with provision of medical care.
- A. Contact the facility's ethics committee: This is incorrect because it is not an urgent action and it does not address the client's immediate needs. The ethics committee can be consulted later if there are ethical dilemmas or conflicts regarding the client's care.
- B. Obtain consent from the client's employer: This is incorrect because it is not a valid source of consent. The employer has no legal or ethical authority to make decisions for the client, unless they are also a designated surrogate or proxy.
- C. Limit care to comfort measures: This is incorrect because it does not meet the standard of care for an emergency situation. The nurse has a duty to provide life-saving interventions for a client who is unconscious and requires emergency medical procedures, unless there is evidence of a valid advance directive that states otherwise.
- D. Proceed with provision of medical care: This is correct because it follows the principle of implied consent, which assumes that a reasonable person would consent to emergency treatment if they were able to do so. The nurse should document the circumstances and continue to search for family members or other sources of consent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Use a reward system to modify the child's behavior.
Rationale:
- A. Incorrect. Maintaining a flexible daily schedule for the child may increase their anxiety and confusion, as they may have difficulty adapting to changes in routine and expectations. The nurse should advise the parents to establish a consistent and structured schedule for the child, with clear rules and boundaries.
- B. Correct. Using a reward system to modify the child's behavior is an effective strategy to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce negative ones. The nurse should help the parents identify specific and measurable goals for the child, and provide them with praise, tokens, or privileges when they achieve them.
- C. Incorrect. Providing a variety of family members to care for the child may overwhelm them and impair their social skills development, as they may have difficulty forming attachments and communicating with different people. The nurse should encourage the parents to select one or two primary caregivers for the child, who can provide them with consistent and supportive interactions.
- D. Incorrect. Administering alprazolam as needed to reduce the child's anxiety is not recommended, as it may cause adverse effects such as sedation, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should educate the parents about nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, or social skills training.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Initiating IV access on the palmar side of the client's wrist is not recommended. This area has many delicate structures and is prone to complications such as nerve damage. Choosing a safer, larger vein proximal to the wrist is a better practice.
Choice B rationale:
Inserting a larger gauge IV catheter is not necessary unless the client's condition or prescribed therapy specifically requires it. Using an unnecessarily large catheter can cause discomfort and increase the risk of complications, such as phlebitis.
Choice C rationale:
Choosing the client's dominant arm for IV access whenever possible is not a universally appropriate guideline. The choice of the arm should depend on the condition of the veins and the individual patient's circumstances. The nurse should assess both arms and choose the one with the most suitable and accessible veins.
Choice D rationale:
Selecting a site proximal to previous venipuncture sites is the correct action. Repeated venipuncture in the same area can cause phlebitis and compromise the integrity of the veins. Selecting a new site proximal to previous punctures helps to preserve vein health and reduce the risk of complications.
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