A nurse is prioritizing care for a client. Which of the following procedures should the nurse perform first?

A. Prepare the client for surgery:
In emergency situations, if immediate intervention is required to save the client’s life or prevent significant harm, the principle of implied consent may apply. This means that if the client is unconscious and immediate treatment is necessary, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment under the assumption that the client would consent if able. However, this should be done in accordance with facility policies and legal guidelines.
B. Obtain consent from the surgeon:
The surgeon is not the appropriate person to obtain consent from in this situation. Informed consent should ideally come from the client or a legal surrogate decision-maker, depending on the circumstances. Surgeons are responsible for discussing the procedure with the patient or their authorized representative before surgery, but obtaining consent is not the nurse's role.
C. Contact the facility's ethics committee for guidance:
While the ethics committee may provide guidance in complex ethical situations, the immediate concern in this emergency situation is to address the client's life-threatening condition. The nurse should prioritize actions that ensure the client receives timely and necessary medical care.
D. Keep the client stable until a family member arrives to give consent:
While obtaining consent from a family member is ideal, waiting for consent can delay critical and time-sensitive interventions. In emergency situations, the priority is to provide necessary medical care promptly to stabilize the client. If there is no one available to give consent immediately, healthcare providers may proceed with necessary interventions to preserve life and limb.

A. Administer the client's medications one at a time:

This is the correct action. Administering medications one at a time allows the nurse to monitor the client's ability to swallow each medication safely. It minimizes the risk of aspiration and ensures that each medication is swallowed effectively.

B. Encourage the client to use a straw to take the medications:

Using a straw may not be recommended for clients with dysphagia, as it can alter the normal swallowing process and increase the risk of aspiration. The focus should be on safe administration of medications without compromising the client's ability to swallow.

C. Give the client's medications between meals:

The timing of medication administration is important, but the priority is the safe administration of medications, especially for clients with dysphagia. Administering medications between meals may not directly address the safety concerns related to swallowing.

D. Assist the client into semi-Fowler's position:

While positioning is important, especially for clients with dysphagia, the administration of medications one at a time (Option A) takes precedence in ensuring the safety of the client's swallowing. Semi-Fowler's position may be beneficial, but it is not the primary action related to medication administration.