As the nurse manager, you are developing a patient education program aimed at offering guidance and supervision for patients with hypertension. To assist in your planning, you extract and present patient information from:

Choice A Reason:

“The patient must consent because the procedure is necessary for survival.” This statement is incorrect because it implies that the necessity of the procedure overrides the patient’s autonomy. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare. Patients have the right to make their own decisions about their treatment, even if refusing treatment may result in harm or death. Forcing consent undermines patient autonomy and can lead to legal and ethical issues.

Choice B Reason:

“Consent should not be forced.” This statement is correct and aligns with the principles of patient autonomy and informed consent. Forcing a patient to consent to a procedure violates their rights and can lead to ethical and legal complications. Healthcare providers must respect the patient’s decision, provide all necessary information, and support them in making an informed choice.

Choice C Reason:

“If the surgery is life-saving, we can proceed regardless of what the patient says.” This statement is incorrect. Even in life-saving situations, patients have the right to refuse treatment. There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as when a patient is deemed legally incompetent to make decisions. In such cases, a legal guardian or power of attorney may be involved. However, competent patients retain the right to refuse any medical intervention.

Choice D Reason:

“Sometimes patients refuse because they are anxious. Give them a sedative, then ask again.” This statement is inappropriate and unethical. Administering a sedative to obtain consent can be seen as coercive and does not respect the patient’s autonomy. It is important to address the patient’s concerns and anxiety through communication and support, rather than using medication to influence their decision.

Choice E Reason:

“The patient has every right to refuse.” This statement is correct and reflects the ethical principle of respect for patient autonomy. Patients have the right to make their own healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse treatment. Healthcare providers should ensure that patients are fully informed about their options and the potential consequences of their decisions, but ultimately, the decision rests with the patient.

Choice A Reason:

Activate the fire alarm. The nurse’s top priority in this situation should be to activate the fire alarm. This action ensures that the entire facility is alerted to the fire, allowing for a coordinated and timely response. Activating the fire alarm initiates the emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and the arrival of the fire department. This step is crucial because it addresses the safety of all individuals in the facility, not just those in the immediate vicinity of the fire. By activating the fire alarm, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the danger and can take appropriate action to protect themselves.

Choice B Reason:

Move any clients in the immediate vicinity. While moving clients in the immediate vicinity is important, it is not the top priority. This action addresses the safety of those closest to the fire but does not alert the rest of the facility to the danger. Without activating the fire alarm first, other staff members and clients may remain unaware of the fire, potentially putting more people at risk. Therefore, while moving clients is a necessary step, it should follow the activation of the fire alarm to ensure a comprehensive response to the emergency.

Choice C Reason:

Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. Using a fire extinguisher to put out the fire is a valid action, but it should not be the nurse’s top priority. Attempting to extinguish the fire without first alerting others can be dangerous, especially if the fire spreads quickly or if the nurse is unable to control it. Activating the fire alarm ensures that help is on the way and that evacuation procedures are initiated. Once the fire alarm is activated, the nurse can then attempt to use a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so.

Choice D Reason:

Close the fire doors on the unit. Closing the fire doors is an important step in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading. However, this action should come after the fire alarm has been activated. Closing the fire doors without alerting others to the fire may delay the overall response and evacuation efforts. By activating the fire alarm first, the nurse ensures that everyone is aware of the fire and can take appropriate actions, including closing fire doors as part of the containment strategy.