Question

A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client transferred from another department. The nurse should verify that the client has given informed consent prior to which of the following procedure?

A) Administration of routine medications.
B) Physical therapy session for mobility exercises.
C) Blood transfusion for anemia treatment.
D) Basic vital sign assessments.

Answer 1

Informed consent must be verified by the nurse prior to a blood transfusion for anemia treatment, as it is a procedure that carries significant risks which the patient should be informed about.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should verify that the client has given informed consent prior to a blood transfusion for anemia treatment. Informed consent is a pivotal component of patient autonomy and is particularly crucial for procedures that carry significant risks, including blood transfusions. During the administration of a blood transfusion, the risks include potential allergic reactions and the chance of a hemolytic transfusion reaction if mismatched blood types are administered. It is essential that the patient is aware of the procedure's purpose, risks, benefits, and any alternative treatments.

By contrast, informed consent is typically not required for low-risk, routine medical procedures, such as the administration of routine medications, physical therapy sessions for mobility exercises, or basic vital sign assessments.