Question

A nurse is caring for a 15-year-old client who is married and is scheduled for a surgical procedure. The client asks, Who should sign my surgical consent? Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a) Your spouse can sign the consent.
b) You and your spouse both need to sign.
c) Only a legal guardian can sign.
d) You are old enough to sign it yourself.A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis and rates their abdominal pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a) Administering an analgesic as ordered
b) Providing a heating pad for comfort
c) Allowing the child to choose their position
d) Encouraging deep breathing exercises

Answer 1

For a married 15-year-old client, the nurse should verify state laws regarding who can provide consent for surgery, as it can sometimes be the minor if they are emancipated or married. For a school-age child with appendicitis, the nurse should administer pain relief as ordered and allow the child to find a comfortable position, avoiding the use of a heating pad.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a 15-year-old client who is married is scheduled for a surgical procedure, the question of consent can be complex. Typically, minors are not competent to provide consent for medical procedures; consent usually needs to be obtained from a parent or legal guardian. However, some exceptions exist, such as when the minor is emancipated or married, which may grant them the legal right to make certain medical decisions for themselves. Therefore, it would be advisable for the nurse to check the specific laws of the state or country, as this can vary by jurisdiction. In general, it's important to ensure that an informed consent form is signed by the appropriate party before any surgical procedure.

Regarding the care of a school-age child who has appendicitis and is experiencing significant abdominal pain, the nurse should prioritize interventions that manage pain and prevent worsening of the condition. Administering an analgesic as ordered is a key action to reduce the child's pain. Allowing the child to choose their position can help reduce discomfort, but care must be taken to avoid any positions that could exacerbate the appendicitis. It is not advisable to provide a heating pad as it may increase the risk of rupture of the appendix. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can help with relaxation and may assist in pain management, but professional judgment should be used to ensure this does not cause additional pain or discomfort for the child.