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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While monitoring temperature is important in assessing for infection, it is not the priority assessment before administering morphine. Temperature does not directly relate to the immediate effects or risks associated with opioid administration.
B. Blood pressure monitoring is essential, especially in a postoperative patient. However, opioids primarily impact the respiratory system rather than directly causing significant changes in blood pressure. While hypotension can occur with opioids, it is not the most immediate concern when administering morphine.
C. This is the priority assessment. Opioids, including morphine, can cause respiratory depression, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening side effect. Before administering morphine, it is crucial to assess the respiratory rate to ensure the patient is not at risk for respiratory distress. If the respiratory rate is low (typically less than 12 breaths per minute), the nurse may need to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider.
D. While it is important to monitor heart rate, especially in postoperative patients, the primary concern with morphine administration is its effect on respiration. The heart rate may not be as critical to assess immediately before administering morphine as the respiratory rate is.

A. Call the provider for a stat DNR order. B. Seek immediate help from the risk manager. C. Respect the family's wishes and do nothing. D. Call the emergency response team.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. While it's important to obtain a formal DNR order, the nurse should not delay providing emergency care while waiting for the order. The client's immediate needs take precedence.
B. The risk manager can provide guidance and support, but they cannot provide immediate medical care. The nurse's priority should be to provide emergency care to the client.
C. Even in the absence of a formal DNR order, the nurse has a legal and ethical duty to provide emergency care to a client who is in cardiac or respiratory arrest.
D. This is the most appropriate action. The nurse should immediately call the emergency response team to initiate resuscitation efforts. While waiting for the team to arrive, the nurse should continue to provide basic life support measures, such as CPR and rescue breathing. Once the emergency response team arrives, they will take over the resuscitation efforts and obtain a formal DNR order from the provider if necessary.

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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?.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery and reports incisional pain. The surgeon has prescribed morphine 4 mg IV bolus every 6 hr as needed. Before administering this medication, the nurse should complete which priority assessment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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