Question

A nurse on a med-surg unit is caring for a client prior to a surgical procedure. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client can sign the informed consent?

A. The client is under the influence of pain medication.
B. The client expresses uncertainty about the procedure.
C. The client does not speak the primary language of the healthcare provider.
D. The client has a history of mild cognitive impairment.

Answer 1

A client with a history of mild cognitive impairment should not sign the informed consent.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order for a client to sign an informed consent, they should have the capacity to understand and make decisions. Therefore, finding D - the client has a history of mild cognitive impairment - should indicate to the nurse that the client cannot sign the informed consent. The other options - A. The client is under the influence of pain medication, B. The client expresses uncertainty about the procedure, and C. The client does not speak the primary language of the healthcare provider - do not directly address the client's capacity to consent and should not prevent them from signing the informed consent.