The nurse is assisting with preoperative preparation of a client scheduled for surgery. The nurse understands that which of the following are true regarding valid surgical consent? surgery
Client must be deemed mentally competent to make an informed decision
Can be made after morphine administration
Can be made without consent if deemed emergent and the client is awake
Must be given without coercion or pressure
A legally authorized representative may sign if the client is unable
The nurse is responsible for explaining the procedure to the patient
Correct Answer : A,D,E
A. Client must be deemed mentally competent to make an informed decision – A valid surgical consent requires that the client has the mental capacity to understand the information provided and to make decisions regarding their care.
B. Can be made after morphine administration – Consent given after administration of sedatives or narcotics (e.g., morphine) is not valid, as these medications can impair judgment and cognition.
C. Can be made without consent if deemed emergent and the client is awake – If the client is awake and capable, consent must be obtained. Consent without client approval is only permissible in a true emergency when the client is unconscious or otherwise unable to consent, and no surrogate is available.
D. Must be given without coercion or pressure – Valid consent must be voluntary, meaning the client freely agrees without intimidation or manipulation.
E. A legally authorized representative may sign if the client is unable – If a client is incapacitated, a designated healthcare proxy or legal guardian can give consent on their behalf.
F. The nurse is responsible for explaining the procedure to the patient – It is the surgeon’s responsibility to explain the nature of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The nurse’s role is to witness the consent and ensure the client understands, but not to provide the full procedural explanation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The priority action when a sponge count is incorrect is to immediately notify the surgeon before closing the surgical site. Retained surgical items like sponges can lead to serious complications, including infection and the need for further surgery. Prompt communication ensures patient safety.
B. Although helpful, this is a secondary step. The surgeon must be informed immediately to halt closure and assist in locating the missing sponge.
C. Searching is appropriate, but it should be done after informing the surgeon. Delaying notification risks closure with a retained item.
D. Documentation is important after resolution. It is not the first action in response to a missing sponge during surgery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While tracking intake and output is important, it does not directly address the patient’s current complaint or help identify urinary retention.
B.The first action is to assess the bladder for distention by palpating above the symphysis pubis. This helps determine if the bladder is full and not emptying, which may indicate urinary retention.
C. Encouraging natural voiding techniques (like running water) is appropriate, but only after assessment confirms the bladder is not overly distended.
D. Notifying the provider is important if interventions fail, but the nurse should first assess before escalating the situation.
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