Question

The LVN/LPN is transporting a surgical client to the operating room when the client says, "I am not sure what they are going to do to me." What is the nurse's best action?

Document the client's concern in the chart. Send the client to the operating room, and the nurse will explain the procedure there. Notify the surgeon about the client's concern. Do nothing, because the client already signed the consent form.

Answer 1

The nurse should immediately notify the surgeon of the client's uncertainty about the surgical procedure, ensure the client's understanding is clarified, and document the concern in the medical chart.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a surgical client expresses uncertainty about the procedure they are about to undergo, the nurse's best action is to notify the surgeon about the client's concern immediately. This is crucial to ensure that the client is fully informed and has given informed consent for the procedure. The surgical team, which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesiology staff, is responsible for conducting a 'time out' before the procedure to verify the client's identity, the surgical site and procedure, and confirm that consent has been given. It is also important to ensure that all team members are introduced by name and role and that the client understands the critical aspects of the procedure and postoperative care.

The nurse should document the client's concern in the medical chart as well, but immediate action to clarify the client's understanding is imperative before the procedure can proceed. If for any reason, the consent seems to be uninformed or uncertain, revision of the consent process should occur, providing the client the opportunity to ask questions or refuse the procedure if they so choose.