An unresponsive victim of a diving accident is brought to the emergency department where it is determined that immediate surgery is required to save the client's life. The client is accompanied by a close friend, but no family members are available. Which action should the nurse take first?
Ask the client's friend to sign the informed consent since the client is unresponsive.
Notify the unit manager that an emergency court order is needed to allow surgery.
Carry on with surgical preparation of the client without a signed informed consent.
Continue to provide life support until a thorough search for a guardian is completed.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale
A. The client's friend may not legally be authorized to provide consent unless they hold medical power of attorney or legal guardianship for the client. Without documentation of such authority, the friend cannot sign the informed consent.
B. In emergency situations where a patient lacks decision-making capacity and there is no available legal guardian or next of kin to provide consent, hospitals may seek a court order to proceed with necessary treatment. However, this could delay emergency treatment.
C. This is based on the legal and ethical understanding that saving the patient's life takes precedence when immediate action is required and consent cannot be obtained.
D. Providing life support ensures that the client's immediate medical needs are addressed while efforts are made to locate a legal guardian. However, unavailability of next of kin should not delay definitive intervention
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale
A. The complement system is part of the immune response and can be activated in various conditions, including sepsis. However, activation of complement pathways does not directly cause DIC. Instead, in septic shock, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue factor can trigger systemic coagulation activation, leading to DIC.
B. Inhibition of red blood cell production, such as in conditions like aplastic anemia or certain types of bone marrow disorders, does not directly cause DIC. DIC is primarily a disorder of excessive activation of clotting factors in response to underlying conditions like sepsis, trauma, or cancer.
C. Production of extra platelets, or thrombocytosis, is not the cause of DIC. Thrombocytosis can occur in response to various conditions, but DIC involves consumption of platelets due to widespread activation of clotting within the vasculature.
D. DIC is characterized by the widespread consumption and depletion of clotting factors and platelets as they are used up in the formation of microthrombi throughout the bloodstream. This depletion leads to an increased risk of bleeding due to insufficient clotting factors remaining to maintain hemostasis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. This is not appropriate because a high HDL level (85 mg/dL) is beneficial and does not typically necessitate medication therapy solely for raising HDL.
B. This is reasonable to assess overall cardiovascular risk factors, including hereditary factors, which can influence the management and prevention of heart disease.
C. It reinforces the positive impact of a high HDL level on reducing cardiovascular risk and provides the client with valuable information about their health status.
D. While dietary advice is important, specifically targeting fatty foods may not be necessary if the client's HDL level is already high. General dietary recommendations for heart health are beneficial but should be tailored to individual needs.
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