A nurse is admitting a client who has schizophrenia.

The client states, “I’m hearing voices.” Which of the following responses is the priority for the nurse to state?

Choice A rationale: Testing skin turgor on the abdomen is common in infants and young children, but in older adults, abdominal skin often loses elasticity due to aging, making it an unreliable site for assessment.

Choice B rationale: The skin over the sternum or the subclavicular area (shoulder/chest) is the most reliable site for older adults. These areas typically maintain more elastic tissue, providing a more accurate reflection of hydration.

Choice C rationale: Assessing the stomach is essentially the same as the abdomen. This site is prone to skin sagging and loss of subcutaneous fat in elderly patients, which can lead to false-positive signs of dehydration.

Choice D rationale: The skin on the neck is thin and highly susceptible to wrinkles and sun damage. Lifting the skin here in an older adult will often show "tenting" even if the patient is well-hydrated.

Choice A reason:

Explaining the procedure to the client before verifying informed consent is not an appropriate action: While it is essential to explain the procedure to the client and ensure they have a clear understanding of what they are consenting to, this step typically occurs before the informed consent form is presented. The purpose of the informed consent form is to document that the client has received adequate information and has given their consent voluntarily

Choice B reason:

Confirming the client's signature is authentic is the correct action. Verifying the record of informed consent for a client scheduled for surgery involves several important steps. Of these, the nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure that the client's signature on the informed consent form is authentic. This means ensuring that the client themselves or their authorized representative has signed the form willingly and without coercion.

Choice C reason:

Providing information on the informed consent form about the benefits of the surgery is not an appropriate action: The informed consent form typically contains information about the procedure, its risks, possible complications, and alternatives, but it is not the nurse's responsibility to provide this information. The healthcare provider or surgeon is responsible for explaining the details of the surgery to the client before obtaining their consent.

Choice D reason:

Informing the client about the condition that requires treatment is not an appropriate action: The responsibility of informing the client about their medical condition, the need for treatment, and the available options lies with the healthcare provider or surgeon, not the nurse. The nurse may assist in providing information or answering questions, but the primary responsibility for discussing the medical condition lies with the provider.