ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam related questions and content

A nurse is assisting with obtaining informed consent from a client who has been declared legally incompetent. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Contact the facility social worker to obtain the consent
  • B. Explain implied consent to the client’s family
  • C. Request that the client’s guardian sign the consent
  • D. Ask the charge nurse to obtain informed consent
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Request that the client’s guardian sign the consent. This is appropriate because a legally incompetent individual requires a guardian to make decisions on their behalf. This ensures that the client's best interests are protected and that decisions are made by someone legally authorized to do so. Choice A is incorrect because social workers are not authorized to provide consent for legally incompetent individuals. Choice B is incorrect as implied consent is not applicable in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the charge nurse does not have the legal authority to obtain informed consent for a legally incompetent client.