The nurse is caring for a client being prepared for a left total knee replacement surgery. The nurse is witnessing the surgeon obtain informed consent before the procedure. Which essential components must be present to obtain informed consent? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Obtaining a routine urine sample from a newly-admitted client is an important task for the nurse to delegate to assistive personnel (AP). While this is essential for assessing the client's baseline health status and planning further care, it is not as urgent as taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory, which is time-sensitive.

Choice B reason: Passing fresh water to clients on the unit is an essential routine task to ensure clients stay hydrated. However, this task does not have the same level of urgency compared to taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory. This can be done after more critical tasks are completed.

Choice C reason: Transporting a client to the radiology department for an x-ray is a necessary step in diagnostic imaging, but it does not carry the same level of urgency as taking an arterial blood gas specimen to the laboratory. Arterial blood gas results are critical for evaluating and managing a client's respiratory and metabolic status.

Choice D reason: Taking an arterial blood gas (ABG) specimen to the laboratory is a top priority because the results are time-sensitive and crucial for the immediate assessment and management of a client's respiratory and metabolic function. Delaying this task could impact the timely diagnosis and treatment of potentially serious conditions, making it the most urgent task to delegate first.

Choice A reason: The statement "The client fell out of bed" is an assumption and not an objective observation. Documentation should include only factual information that is observed or measured, rather than conclusions or suppositions. Therefore, this statement should not be included in the incident report.

Choice B reason: Documenting the client's vital signs is crucial as it provides measurable data about the client's condition at the time of the incident. Recording blood pressure, pulse, and respirations helps to establish a baseline and can be used for future comparison to assess any changes in the client's status after the incident. This is a factual and objective piece of information that is appropriate for the incident report.

Choice C reason: Noting that no bruises or injuries were observed on the client is an important observation. This statement provides an objective assessment of the client's physical condition immediately after the fall, which is critical for ongoing monitoring and care. It helps to document that the client did not sustain visible injuries during the incident.

Choice D reason: The statement "The client apparently climbed over the side rails unwitnessed" includes speculation and is not based on direct observation. Documentation should avoid including subjective interpretations or assumptions about the events. Only witnessed and factual information should be recorded in the incident report to maintain accuracy and objectivity.

Choice E reason: Reporting that the health care provider was notified of the incident is essential for ensuring continuity of care. This statement documents the communication between the nurse and the provider, which is a critical step in the incident response process. It ensures that appropriate follow-up actions can be taken based on the provider's assessment and recommendations.