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Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Rights and Advocacy

While rounding on a surgical unit, a practical nurse observes a client holding an unsigned surgical consent form. The client states, 'The surgeon was just here, but I still do not understand how they will perform the operation.' Which action should the nurse take next?

  1. Notify the surgeon to return to the unit and clarify the procedure for the client.Answer
  2. B
    Explain the steps of the operation using a facility-approved educational pamphlet.
  3. C
    Agree to provide the detailed surgical explanation when asked by the registered nurse.
  4. D
    Ask the client's family members in the public waiting area to help clarify the surgery.

Answer

Notify the surgeon to return to the unit and clarify the procedure for the client.
The correct action is to notify the surgeon to return and answer the client's questions. For a consent to be truly informed, the client must fully understand the procedure. It is the legal responsibility of the primary healthcare provider performing the procedure to explain it. The practical nurse advocates for the client by halting the signing process and ensuring the provider addresses the knowledge deficit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's level of understanding regarding the planned surgical procedure.
The client verbalizes a lack of understanding about how the operation will be performed.
Determines if the criteria for informed consent have been met prior to obtaining the signature.
2
Identify the appropriate scope of practice for the practical nurse regarding informed consent.
The practical nurse recognizes that their role is to witness the signature and advocate for the client, not to explain the procedure.
Prevents the nurse from practicing outside their legal scope.
3
Intervene by contacting the individual responsible for explaining the procedure.
The surgeon is notified to return and provide the necessary clarification.
Ensures the client's right to fully informed consent is protected.

Key Concept

The practical nurse's role in informed consent is to act as a witness to the signature and advocate for the client, while the primary healthcare provider is solely responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits.
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Topics

Client Rights and Advocacy

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