A nurse is making an initial postpartum home visit. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as a manifestation of increased risk for child abuse?

Explanation:

"I will use a cool-mist vaporizer in my baby's room." This statement demonstrates an understanding of the teaching. Using a cool-mist vaporizer can help maintain moisture in the air and alleviate nasal congestion in infants.

Incorrect:

B- "I will leave my baby's bib on while he is sleeping." This statement indicates a lack of understanding. It is not safe to leave a bib on an infant while they are sleeping as it can pose a suffocation risk.

C- "I will leave the plastic covering on the crib mattress." This statement indicates a lack of understanding. The plastic covering on the crib mattress should be removed as it can pose a suffocation hazard.

D- "I will lay my baby's head on a pillow while he is in the crib." This statement indicates a lack of understanding. Pillows should not be used in the crib for infants as they can increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should determine if the client’s health care surrogate is aware of the risks and benefits of the procedure. A health care surrogate is a person who is authorized to make health care decisions for a client who is unable to do so. The nurse has a legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that the client’s surrogate has given informed consent for the surgery, which means that they have received adequate information about the procedure, its purpose, its risks, its benefits, and its alternatives.

Choice A is wrong because sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility’s risk manager does not ensure that the client’s surrogate has given informed consent. The risk manager is not involved in the consent process and cannot authorize the surgery without the surrogate’s consent.

Choice B is wrong because ensuring that the client’s family supports the provider’s decision for surgery is not the same as obtaining informed consent from the surrogate.

The family may have different opinions or preferences than the surrogate, and the surrogate may not agree with the provider’s decision. The nurse should respect the surrogate’s autonomy and authority to make decisions for the client.

Choice C is wrong because determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not the nurse’s role.

The provider is responsible for determining the medical necessity of the surgery and explaining it to the surrogate. The nurse should not question or interfere with the provider’s judgment unless there is evidence of negligence or malpractice.