NURS 111- PVD with Amputation [Legal Issues] Assessment Exam Questions with Answers

Legal Issues The client has no identification on his body. The police are unable to locate anyone who knows his full name, but another homeless man tells the police the client goes by "Hans." Upon admission to the emergency room it is determined Hans needs immediate surgery to amputate his right leg above the knee. The nurse caring for Hans has no way to contact family to obtain informed consent for the surgery, and Hans has not regained consciousness. 1. What action will the nurse implement first since informed consent cannot be obtained? A) Call the operating room (OR) department and inform them the surgery cannot be done at this time. INCORRECT The nurse does not make this determination. B) Request that the police department find some of Hans’ family members immediately. INCORRECT The police can try to find family members, but this is not the best initial nursing action. C) Contact the legal department of the hospital to appoint a legal guardian for Hans. INCORRECT This is not the responsibility of the legal department of the hospital. Social services could attempt to do this, but it is not the most immediate priority. D) Prepare Hans for surgery and document that no family member is available. CORRECT When surgery is emergent, the surgeon may operate without informed consent. Therefore, the nurse should first prepare Hans for immediate surgery. Points Earned: 0.0/1.0 Correct Answer(s): D