Safe, Effective Care Environment
68. A nurse notices that a client's signed consent form states "amputation of the right leg," although it is the left leg that is to be amputated. The client has already received preoperative medications. What should the nurse do?
. Call the nearest relative to come in to sign a new form.
. Have the client sign another form.
. Cross out the error and initial the form.
. Call the MD to reschedule the surgery.
Test-Taking Tip
Know the legal responsibility for informed consent. There is potential for risk in this situation.
Content Area: Management of Care, Informed Consent; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Analysis; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Informed Consent
Safe, Effective Care Environment
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Answer 1 is incorrect because a competent client, not a relative, gives consent. There is no indication of an emergency. Answer 2 is incorrect because the client has received the preoperative medication, so he or she cannot sign a consent form. Answer 3 is incorrect because the responsibility for a correct consent form is the MD's, not the nurse's. Answer 4 is correct because the responsibility for an accurate informed consent is the physician's. An exception to this answer would be a life-threatening emergency, but there are no data to support another response.