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 D
Explanation
A. Using only room numbers for client identification does not guarantee confidentiality, as room numbers can still be linked to specific individuals.
B. Logging assistive personnel into unit computers compromises security and violates confidentiality protocols. Each user should have a unique login.
C. Including a client’s name on a fax cover sheet is not recommended, as it exposes protected health information and can breach confidentiality.
D. Conducting change-of-shift report in a staff-only area protects client information from being overheard by unauthorized individuals, ensuring confidentiality.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) is the priority because it increases the risk of aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication for clients with Parkinson's disease.
B. Insomnia, while impacting quality of life, is not as immediately life-threatening as aspiration risk.
C. Needing additional help to stand reflects disease progression but does not carry the immediate risk of a life-threatening complication.
D. Difficulty dressing also indicates disease progression but does not pose an immediate danger to the client’s health.