A nurse is providing dietary education for a patient who has a new prescription for a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO). Which items in the patient’s sample lunch menu would require intervention by the nurse?

Choice A rationale

Stage I pressure injury is characterized by non-blanchable erythema of intact skin. This means that the skin does not turn white when pressed and is a sign of damage to the underlying

tissues. This stage is often seen in areas of the body that are under constant pressure, such as the heels in a patient who is unable to move.

Choice B rationale

Stage II pressure injury involves partial-thickness loss of skin with exposed dermis. This stage is more severe than stage I and would present with an open wound, which is not described in the question.

Choice C rationale

Stage III pressure injury involves full-thickness loss of skin, in which fatty tissue is visible in the wound. This stage is more severe than both stages I and II and would present with a deeper wound, which is not described in the question.

Choice D rationale

Stage IV pressure injury involves full-thickness skin and tissue loss with exposed or directly palpable fascia, muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage or bone. This is the most severe stage of pressure injury and would present with a very deep wound exposing underlying structures, which is not described in the question.

Choice A rationale

The patient has the right to withdraw their informed consent at any time, even after signing the consent form. This is a fundamental principle of patient autonomy and respect for the individual’s rights. The nurse should respect the patient’s decision and notify the surgeon that the patient wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure. This allows the healthcare team to reassess the situation, provide further information if necessary, and make appropriate adjustments to the care plan.

Choice B rationale

While informing the surgical team to cancel the surgery might be a subsequent step, it is not the immediate action the nurse should take. The first action should be to respect the patient’s autonomy and communicate their decision to the surgeon.

Choice C rationale

Proceeding with the preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure against their expressed wishes would be a violation of the patient’s rights. It is essential to respect the patient’s autonomy and their right to make decisions about their own healthcare.

Choice D rationale

Reminding the patient that a signed informed consent form is a legally binding document is incorrect. Informed consent is not a contract, and the patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time. The purpose of informed consent is to ensure that the patient understands the procedure, its risks and benefits, and alternatives, and makes an informed decision.