A client is in the preoperative holding area for an elective hernia repair. As the nurse prepares to administer a prescribed preoperative sedative, the client states, 'I have changed my mind. I do not want to go through with this surgery.' Arrange the following nursing actions in the correct chronological sequence from first to last.
- 1Withhold the prescribed preoperative sedative medication.
- 2Assess the client's specific concerns and reasons for changing their mind.
- 3Notify the healthcare provider about the client's decision to revoke consent.
- 4Document the client's statements and the notification of the provider in the medical record.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first withhold the sedative, then assess the client's concerns, followed by notifying the healthcare provider, and finally documenting the event.
When a client revokes consent, the immediate priority is to prevent any actions that would proceed with the procedure or alter the client's competent state. Therefore, withholding the sedative is first. Next, the nurse acts as an advocate by exploring the client's concerns. After gathering this information, the nurse must notify the provider who is ultimately responsible for the consent process. Finally, all events must be legally documented.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Nursing actions for revocation of informed consent