A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is receiving a PCA pump following a hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indicator of unrelieved pain?

The correct answer is A. Clean the wound from the center to the outer edges.

Rationale: The nurse should clean the wound from the center to the outer edges to prevent contamination of the wound bed by bacteria or debris from the surrounding skin. The nurse should wear clean gloves, not sterile gloves, to remove the dressing, as wet-to-dry dressings are not sterile and do not require a sterile technique.

The nurse should remove the tape by pulling parallel to and away from the skin, not from the center of the dressing, to minimize skin damage and pain. The nurse should not moisten the dressing before removal, as this would defeat the purpose of wet-to-dry dressings, which are intended to debride necrotic tissue by adhering to it and pulling it off when dry.

Choice A reason

Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.

Choice B reason

Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.

Choice C reason

Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Choice D reason

When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.