A twenty-year-old patient who is at thirty-eight weeks gestation is being prepared for an emergency cesarean birth due to an abruption placenta and severe fetal compromise. The patient received nalbuphine 10 mg IV thirty minutes ago. Because the patient is too sedated to sign the consent form, the nurse would:
A)Have the attending physician and the surgeon sign the consent form
B)Sign the consent form and have the nurse manager countersign the form
C)Call the patient's parents or husband and request a verbal consent
D)Proceed with the preparation and forgo written consent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the patient is too sedated to sign the consent form, the nurse would have the attending physician and the surgeon sign the consent form. The information indicates a life-threatening emergency and if the patient is unable to sign the informed consent, it is the legal responsibility of the attending physician and the surgeon to sign the consent so that further injury to the patient and her fetus may be prevented.

A Twenty-Year-Old Patient Who Is at Thirty-Eight Weeks Gestation Is