2024 PN NCLEX Questions Nursing Practice Question
When preparing a client for surgery, the graduate nurse realizes the operative permit has not been signed. The client tells the nurse he understands the procedure but received his preoperative medication approximately 10 minutes prior. The appropriate action would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ensuring informed consent is critical in surgical procedures. The client’s receipt of preoperative medication may impair his decision-making ability, making it inappropriate for him to sign the permit at that time.
Option A is incorrect because a verbal understanding does not substitute for informed consent, especially after medication administration.
Option B is also wrong; witnessing a signature under these circumstances does not fulfill the legal requirements for consent.
Option C fails as a spouse cannot provide consent on behalf of the client without prior legal authority.
Thus, contacting the surgical area to discuss the situation is the only appropriate action to ensure patient safety and legal compliance.