Final answer:
The nurse should inform the 15-year-old client that their parent or legal guardian must sign their surgical consent, as minors are not considered legally competent to provide informed consent to medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The response the nurse should provide to the 15-year-old client who is scheduled for a surgical procedure and asks the question, "Who should sign my surgical consent?" is c. "Your parent or legal guardian." According to medical regulations and legal requirements, individuals under the age of 18, referred to as minors, are not usually considered competent to give informed consent for medical procedures. It is typically required that a parent or legal guardian provide consent on behalf of a minor. This ensures that the minor is properly informed about the risks and implications of the procedure, that they are agreed upon by the responsible adult, and that decisions are made in the best interest of the minor's health and well-being. Moreover, involving the parent or guardian helps maintain open communication and supports the adolescent during the healthcare process.