A nurse is providing education to a client who is scheduled for a left knee arthroplasty. Which of the following statements regarding informed consent indicates client understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Using a donut-shaped cushion is not recommended, as it can increase pressure on surrounding tissues, worsening ischemia in the ischial area. Nonblanchable erythema indicates early pressure injury, requiring pressure relief and skin protection. This intervention risks further tissue damage, making it inappropriate for managing the client’s condition.
Choice B reason: Repositioning every 15 minutes while sitting is excessive and impractical, potentially causing discomfort or skin shear. For paraplegic clients, repositioning every 1-2 hours while sitting, combined with pressure-relieving cushions, prevents progression of nonblanchable erythema. This frequency is not evidence-based for pressure injury prevention, making it incorrect.
Choice C reason: Applying moisture-barrier cream protects the skin from breakdown in the presence of nonblanchable erythema, an early stage of pressure injury. For paraplegic clients, who are at high risk due to immobility, this intervention reduces moisture-related damage and supports skin integrity, aligning with evidence-based pressure injury prevention strategies.
Choice D reason: Repositioning every 3 hours in bed is insufficient for a paraplegic client with nonblanchable erythema, as guidelines recommend every 2 hours to relieve pressure. Prolonged pressure risks advancing tissue damage, especially in high-risk areas like the ischium. This intervention is inadequate for preventing pressure injury progression.

Choice A reason: Informed consent does not prevent a client from refusing the procedure, as they retain the right to withdraw consent at any time before or during the process. This statement is incorrect, as it misrepresents the client’s autonomy and legal rights under informed consent principles.
Choice B reason: The nurse’s role in witnessing consent is to verify the client’s voluntary agreement, not to explain the procedure in detail. The surgeon or provider is responsible for detailed explanations, making this action outside the nurse’s scope in this context and incorrect.
Choice C reason: Explaining risks and benefits is the surgeon’s responsibility, not the nurse’s when witnessing consent. The nurse ensures the client understands and agrees voluntarily but does not provide the explanation, making this an incorrect description of the nurse’s role in the process.
Choice D reason: The client’s voluntary agreement is a core legal requirement of informed consent, which the nurse verifies as a witness. This ensures the client understands the procedure, risks, and benefits and consents without coercion, aligning with ethical and legal standards, making it correct.