A nurse is caring for a client who will be having surgery. Which of the following is a nurse’s role when obtaining informed consent?

Choice A reason: Asking if the client informed her provider about family disagreement shifts focus from addressing her emotional needs to a procedural question. It does not facilitate therapeutic communication or explore the client’s feelings about her family’s opposition. This response fails to support the client’s autonomy or address the psychological impact of her decision, making it less effective in this context.
Choice B reason: Restating the client’s concern about family disagreement uses reflective listening, a therapeutic technique that validates her feelings and encourages further discussion. This approach fosters trust, helps the client process her emotions, and supports her autonomy in deciding on the mastectomy, aligning with patient-centered care principles for addressing sensitive decisions.
Choice C reason: Stating that the nurse would make the same decision introduces personal bias, which is inappropriate in therapeutic communication. It shifts focus from the client’s needs to the nurse’s perspective, potentially undermining the client’s autonomy. This response does not address the family’s opposition or support the client’s decision-making process, making it ineffective.
Choice D reason: Suggesting the client needs family agreement before signing consent undermines her autonomy as a competent adult. Informed consent requires only the client’s understanding and agreement, not family approval. This response dismisses the client’s decision-making capacity and fails to address her emotional concerns about family opposition, making it inappropriate.

Choice A reason: Avoiding reading for 3 months is not a standard instruction post-retinal detachment surgery. Reading may be restricted temporarily (e.g., 1-2 weeks) if specific positioning is required, but 3 months is excessive. Patients are typically advised to avoid straining, not reading, making this instruction incorrect.
Choice B reason: Bending at the waist increases intraocular pressure, which can disrupt retinal repair and lead to re-detachment. Patients should bend at the knees to avoid straining the eye. This instruction is harmful and contraindicated, as it risks complications in the healing retina.
Choice C reason: Lifting objects up to 50 pounds is dangerous post-retinal surgery, as heavy lifting increases intraocular pressure, risking re-detachment. Guidelines typically restrict lifting to 10-20 pounds during recovery (4-6 weeks). This instruction is incorrect, as it poses a significant risk to surgical outcomes.
Choice D reason: Taking a stool softener daily prevents straining during bowel movements, which can increase intraocular pressure and disrupt retinal healing. Constipation is a concern post-surgery due to immobility or pain medications, and stool softeners ensure safe bowel movements, making this the correct instruction.