A nurse is caring for a 16-year-old client who was in a motor-vehicle crash and needs surgical intervention immediately. The staff cannot reach either of the client's parents. The nurse should identify that which of the following is true about obtaining consent?
The surgeon should delay surgery until he can obtain informed consent from a parent.
The client's pediatrician can obtain implied consent.
The surgeon can proceed with the surgery by invoking implied consent.
The surgeon can obtain informed consent from the client's adult cousin.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Delaying surgery in a life-threatening situation could endanger the client, so waiting for parental consent is not required under emergency circumstances.
B. The pediatrician does not have the authority to provide implied consent; this legal principle applies directly to the care team in emergency situations.
C. In emergency situations where a minor requires immediate, life-saving treatment and a parent or legal guardian is not available, implied consent allows the surgeon to proceed with necessary interventions to prevent harm.
D. An adult cousin does not have legal authority to provide consent for a minor’s treatment unless specifically designated as a legal guardian.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Waiting 2 minutes between suction passes allows the client to recover and helps to prevent hypoxia, demonstrating an understanding of the suctioning procedure.
B. Wearing clean gloves during suctioning is not appropriate; sterile gloves should be used to prevent introducing pathogens into the airway.
C. The recommended suction pressure for adults is typically between 80 and 120 mm Hg; therefore, setting the suction to 200 mm Hg is too high and could cause trauma to the airway.
D. Suction should be applied only while withdrawing the catheter, not while inserting it, to minimize trauma and prevent oxygen deprivation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. An abdominal CT scan with contrast typically requires specific informed consent due to the use of contrast material and potential risks associated with it.
B. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is an invasive procedure that necessitates special informed consent due to its risks and potential complications.
C. The insertion of an NG tube to low intermittent suction is considered a routine procedure that is generally included under the client's general consent for treatment.
D. The administration of fresh frozen plasma involves specific risks and usually requires informed consent because of the implications of blood product administration.