An alert and oriented resident in a long-term care facility is scheduled for an elective joint replacement. The facility's registered nurse (RN) hands the practical nurse (PN) a surgical consent form faxed by the surgeon and delegates the PN to obtain the resident's signature. Upon reviewing the document, the resident asks the PN, "It mentions a possible bone graft. Where exactly will they take the bone from?" Which of the following actions is required by the PN?
- AExplain the standard bone graft donor sites to the resident using simple terminology before witnessing the signature.
- BReturn the form to the RN so the RN can explain the surgical procedure details to the resident.
- Withhold the consent document and ensure the surgeon is contacted to provide further clarification to the resident.Cevap
- DProceed with witnessing the signature as delegated, but document the resident's specific question for the surgeon to address later.
Cevap
The practical nurse must withhold the consent document and ensure the surgeon is contacted to provide further clarification to the resident.
The correct action is to withhold the consent document and ensure the surgeon is contacted. Informed consent requires that the client fully understands the procedure. When a client asks a specific question about the surgical intervention, they demonstrate a knowledge deficit. Because only the healthcare provider performing the procedure can legally explain its details, the nurse must halt the signing process and advocate for the client by having the provider return to answer the question.
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Anahtar Kavram
The nurse's role in informed consent is strictly limited to advocating for the client, verifying their competency, and witnessing the voluntary signature. The healthcare provider must explain the procedure itself.