A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for an invasive procedure that requires consent. When the nurse arrives at the bedside to obtain the client's signature they find that the client is asleep after receiving a sedative. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Ask ambulatory clients to help to move clients in wheelchairs:

While enlisting the help of ambulatory clients to assist those in wheelchairs may seem logical, it is not typically recommended as it could pose safety risks to both parties during an evacuation. Assistive personnel should be trained to prioritize their own safety and the safety of others during evacuation procedures, following established protocols for assisting clients with mobility impairments.

B) Place dry towels around the bases of doors:

Placing dry towels around the bases of doors is a recommended fire evacuation procedure to prevent smoke from entering the room. This action helps create a barrier to smoke inhalation and can buy time for evacuation or rescue efforts. It is important to use dry towels or clothing to avoid fueling the fire and to minimize the passage of smoke.

C) Carry bedridden clients to safety by lifting them onto your back:

Carrying bedridden clients on one's back during a fire evacuation is not a safe or feasible method, especially for assistive personnel who may not have the physical strength or training to perform such tasks. Evacuating bedridden clients should be done using appropriate evacuation equipment such as evacuation sleds or sheets, following facility protocols and guidelines.

D) Aim the extinguisher at the top of the fire:

While using a fire extinguisher is an important aspect of fire safety training, aiming the extinguisher at the top of the fire is not always the correct approach. The appropriate technique for using a fire extinguisher depends on the type of fire and the specific instructions provided with the extinguisher. It is essential for assistive personnel to receive proper training on fire extinguisher use and to follow established procedures during emergencies.

A) Send the client for the test with the unsigned form:

This option is not appropriate because performing an invasive procedure without obtaining informed consent from the client violates ethical and legal principles. Proceeding without proper consent could lead to legal and ethical repercussions, and it is not considered a safe or acceptable practice.

B) Wake the client and ask them to sign the form:

Waking the client who has received a sedative to obtain their signature on the consent form is not advisable. The client may still be under the influence of the sedative, which could impair their ability to understand the information provided and make an informed decision. Additionally, obtaining consent in this manner may not be legally valid and could compromise the client's autonomy and rights.

C) Obtain consent from a family member:

While obtaining consent from a family member might seem like a reasonable option, it is not appropriate in this scenario without clear documentation of the client's inability to provide consent. Consent for medical procedures should ideally be obtained directly from the competent adult client unless they are incapacitated or unable to make decisions. In this case, the client is asleep due to the sedative, but there is no indication that they are incapable of providing consent. Therefore, relying on a family member's consent without attempting to obtain it from the client first may not be ethically or legally justified.

D) Inform the charge nurse:

This is the most appropriate action to take initially. Informing the charge nurse allows for consultation and guidance on how to proceed in this situation. The charge nurse may advise on the appropriate steps to follow, such as contacting the provider or waiting for the client to regain consciousness to obtain informed consent. It ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and in accordance with institutional policies and ethical standards.