A nurse is providing site care for a child who has a gastrostomy enteral tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason

Ensuring that the client's family supports the provider's decision for surgery is not an appropriate action. While family support is essential in the decision-making process, the primary responsibility lies with the client's health care surrogate or designated decision-maker. The family's support is not a substitute for obtaining informed consent from the designated decision-maker.

Choice B reason

Sending the unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager is not appropriate action. The nurse should not send an unsigned informed consent form to the facility's risk manager. Unsigned consent forms do not have any legal significance or validity. The nurse should work with the health care surrogate to ensure that the consent form is appropriately completed and signed.

Choice C reason

Determining if the procedure is medically necessary for the client is not appropriate action. While the medical necessity of the procedure is important, the decision about the procedure's necessity should be made by the medical team and discussed with the health care surrogate. The nurse's role is to facilitate communication and ensure that the surrogate is informed and involved in the decision-making process.

Choice D reason

When a client is in a coma and unable to provide informed consent, the health care surrogate or designated decision-maker becomes responsible for making medical decisions on behalf of the client. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the health care surrogate is aware of the situation, understands the risks and benefits of the surgical procedure, and has provided informed consent on behalf of the client.

The correct answer is C. Place a pillow under the child's head.

Rationale: The nurse should protect the child from injury by helping them to the floor and clearing away furniture or other items. The nurse should also place a pillow under the child's head to prevent head trauma and turn them onto their side to prevent aspiration of saliva or vomit. The nurse should not put anything in the child's mouth, as this could cause choking or damage to the teeth or tongue. The nurse should also not turn the child onto their back, as this could compromise their airway. The nurse should not restrain the child's upper extremities, as this could increase muscle spasms and cause injury.