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. Reporting the concern to the charge nurse is the appropriate action, as it ensures that the issue is addressed through proper channels. The charge nurse can investigate and determine if further action is needed, such as reviewing the medication administration process.
B. Questioning the nurse directly could lead to confrontations and is not the correct procedure for handling potential discrepancies in medication administration.
C. Notifying the pharmacy is unnecessary at this point because the issue concerns administration rather than medication supply or errors with the prescription.
D. While documenting the client’s report is important, simply documenting the client’s claim without notifying the charge nurse does not fully address the concern.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Postoperative emesis is a common occurrence and may not be critical unless it persists or is accompanied by other concerning signs.
B. While an 8 out of 10 pain level is significant, it can be managed with appropriate interventions and does not indicate an immediate complication.
C. Urinary output of 30 mL over 1 hour is low but does not necessarily indicate a critical condition that requires immediate intervention.
D. Mottling in the affected leg is a serious finding that may indicate compromised circulation or a thromboembolic event, making it the priority for reporting to the provider.