The preoperative admitting nurse witnessed a client sign an operative consent form. The nurse then cosigned the same document as a witness. The client suffered an injury during surgery and names the nurse in the suit because the nurse witnessed the consent form. What is the most likely outcome?.
The nurse is likely not liable because surgery is beyond the nurse's scope of practice.
The nurse is not likely liable because the signature only specifies that the nurse witnessed the client signing the consent form.
The nurse may be liable because cosigning the consent form makes the nurse an equal member of the surgical team.
The nurse is liable because cosigning the consent form confirms that the client fully understood the risks of surgery
The Correct Answer is B
A. While it’s true that surgery itself is beyond the nurse's scope of practice, liability can still arise from the actions taken in relation to the consent process. The issue is not about the surgery itself but about the responsibility associated with witnessing the consent.
B. The nurse’s role in this context is to witness the client’s signature, not to guarantee the client’s understanding of the procedure or the risks involved. The witness signature generally indicates that the nurse observed the client signing the document but does not imply that the nurse ensured the client understood all aspects of the surgery.
C. Cosigning a consent form does not make the nurse an equal member of the surgical team in terms of decision-making or responsibilities. The nurse's role as a witness is limited to observing the signing process.
D. The nurse’s signature does not imply that they confirmed the client's understanding of the risks involved. The responsibility for explaining the risks and ensuring the client’s understanding typically falls to the physician or surgeon.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This action exemplifies nursing advocacy. Ensuring that a client has given informed consent means that the nurse is making sure the patient understands their treatment options, the risks involved, and the potential benefits.
B. While sharing experiences can be helpful, influencing a client’s decision based on the nurse's own experiences can compromise the client’s autonomy. Advocacy means supporting the patient in making their own informed choices rather than directing them toward a specific decision.
C. Discussing a client’s medical treatment with someone who is not part of the healthcare team or not authorized to receive that information violates patient confidentiality and privacy rights. Advocacy includes respecting the client’s right to privacy and not disclosing information without consent.
D. While nurses can provide education and information about treatment options, recommending specific surgical or treatment options is generally outside the scope of nursing practice. Advocacy involves helping clients understand their options and supporting them in their decisions, not directing them toward specific interventions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While suggesting an in-service could be beneficial in the long run, it is not an immediate or direct approach to addressing the specific behavior observed. This statement deflects from the issue at hand and may not convey the urgency needed in correcting the aide's behavior.
B. This statement is somewhat vague and could come across as patronizing or defensive. While it points out the need to be mindful of tone, it does not specifically address the emotional impact of the aide’s behavior on the client or acknowledge the situation effectively. It focuses on appearance rather than the well-being of the patient.
C. This approach does not address the underlying issue of the aide's behavior and may create a confrontational or punitive atmosphere. It can also foster resentment rather than promote learning and improvement. It's essential to address behaviors directly instead of merely reassigning responsibilities.
D. This statement is direct and addresses the specific behavior observed. It expresses concern without being accusatory and opens a dialogue about the aide’s communication style. This approach encourages reflection and offers the aide an opportunity to discuss and understand how their tone may affect clients, especially those with cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's.
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