A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a 16-year-old client who reports abdominal pain and is accompanied by an adult neighbor. The provider diagnoses a ruptured appendix and states that the client requires an emergency appendectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Witness the client signing the consent form.
Ask the adult neighbor to sign the consent form.
Obtain consent from the hospital administrator.
Attempt to notify the client's guardian to obtain consent.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because witnessing the client signing the consent form is not a valid option. The client is a minor and cannot legally consent to their own treatment without the permission of their guardian, unless they are emancipated, married, or pregnant.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because asking the adult neighbor to sign the consent form is not a valid option. The adult neighbor is not a legal guardian or a close relative of the client and has no authority to consent to the client's treatment.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because obtaining consent from the hospital administrator is not a valid option. The hospital administrator is not a medical professional or a legal representative of the client and has no authority to consent to the client's treatment.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because attempting to notify the client's guardian to obtain consent is the best option. The client's guardian is the person who has the legal right and responsibility to make decisions for the client's health care. The nurse should try to contact the guardian by phone or other means and obtain verbal or written consent for the emergency surgery. If the guardian cannot be reached, the nurse should follow the facility's policy and procedure for obtaining consent in emergency situations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not legally required or ethically appropriate. The client has the right to refuse treatment and leave the hospital at any time, as long as she is competent and informed of the risks and consequences. The nurse should not coerce or threaten the client to stay against her will.
Choice B reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not helpful or respectful. The client may have valid reasons for wanting to go home, such as personal or financial issues. The nurse should not assume that the client is anxious or irrational and offer her a sedative, which may impair her judgment and consent.
Choice C reason: This is not the correct choice because this action is not necessary or professional. The client is not a threat to herself or others, and does not need to be restrained or guarded by a security officer. The nurse should not use intimidation or force to prevent the client from leaving.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because this action is the best practice and the standard procedure. The nurse should explain to the client the benefits of staying and the risks of leaving, and document the conversation. The nurse should also ask the client to sign the Against Medical Advice form, which states that the client understands the implications of her decision and releases the hospital and the provider from liability.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Diminished hand-to-mouth coordination is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the motor function of the upper extremities. The nurse should refer the client to physical therapy or occupational therapy for this issue.
Choice B reason: Impaired voluntary cough is a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it indicates a possible dysfunction of the swallowing mechanism or the vocal cords. The nurse should refer the client to speech-language pathology for a swallowing evaluation and intervention.
Choice C reason: Altered level of consciousness is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the neurological function of the brain. The nurse should monitor the client's Glasgow Coma Scale score and report any changes to the provider.
Choice D reason: Unilateral ptosis is not a finding that requires a referral to speech-language pathology, as it is related to the cranial nerve function of the eye. The nurse should assess the client's pupillary response and eye movements and report any abnormalities to the provider.
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