A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer the client’s adult child asks the nurse for information about the client’s treatment plan. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent:

This option suggests an urgent response, prioritizing the immediate need for surgery over the formal process of obtaining informed consent. In certain emergency situations, such as when a patient's life or health is in imminent danger and obtaining consent is not feasible, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment or surgery to prevent further harm or loss of life. However, this approach should be guided by established protocols, legal considerations, and the principle of providing the best possible care for the patient.

b. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent:

This option advocates for ensuring that the patient's autonomy and rights are respected by obtaining informed consent before proceeding with surgery. While obtaining consent is essential, delaying surgery may not always be feasible or advisable in emergency situations where prompt intervention is necessary to prevent deterioration of the patient's condition. However, if circumstances allow, making efforts to obtain informed consent is ethically and legally preferable.

c. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery:

This option proposes seeking consent from a designated authority within the healthcare facility, such as a facility administrator, via telephone. While this approach may be practical in some cases, it may not always be sufficient to ensure that the patient's rights are fully respected, particularly if the administrator does not have the legal authority to provide consent on behalf of the patient. In emergency situations, obtaining consent from a legally authorized representative of the patient, if available, is generally preferred.

d. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent:

This option involves delegating the responsibility of signing the consent form to another member of the healthcare team, in this case, the anesthesiologist. However, consent for surgery should ideally be obtained directly from the patient or their legally authorized representative, as they are the ones who have the right to make decisions about their medical care. Relying on another healthcare provider to sign the consent form may not adequately protect the patient's autonomy and legal rights.

a. "I should encrypt personal health information when sending emails."

This statement indicates an understanding of the importance of protecting confidential information during electronic communication. Encrypting personal health information in emails adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access.

b. "I can use another nurse’s password as long as I log off after using the computer."

This statement is incorrect and demonstrates a lack of understanding of client confidentiality. Sharing passwords is a violation of security policies and compromises the confidentiality of client information. Each nurse should have their unique login credentials to ensure accountability and traceability.

c. "I should discard personal health information documents in the trash before leaving the unit."

This statement is incorrect. Discarding personal health information in an unsecured manner, such as in the regular trash, can lead to unauthorized access and a breach of confidentiality. Proper disposal methods, such as shredding or using secure disposal containers, should be followed to protect sensitive information.

d. "I can post the client’s vital signs in the client’s room."

This statement is incorrect. Posting client information, including vital signs, in a public area like the client's room violates confidentiality. Personal health information should be shared only with authorized individuals involved in the patient's care and through secure communication methods. Posting such information in a public space compromises the client's privacy.