Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions Quizlet Related

Review Psychosocial Integrity NCLEX Questions Quizlet related questions and content

When the health care provider diagnoses metastatic cancer and recommends a gastrostomy for an older female client in stable condition, the son tells the nurse that his mother must not be told the reason for the surgery because she 'can't handle' the cancer diagnosis. Which legal principle is the court most likely to uphold regarding this client's right to informed consent?

  • A. The family cannot provide the consent required in this situation as the older adult is capable of making decisions.
  • B. The son cannot waive informed consent for the client since there is no evidence of mental incompetence.
  • C. The court will not allow the health care provider to make the decision to withhold informed consent under therapeutic privilege.
  • D. If informed consent is withheld from a client, health care providers could be found guilty of negligence.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Health care providers may be found guilty of negligence, specifically assault and battery, if they carry out a treatment without the client's consent. The client's condition is stable, so the family cannot provide consent without her involvement, making option A incorrect. There is no evidence of mental incompetence in the client, so the son cannot waive informed consent, making option B incorrect. While therapeutic privilege may have been accepted in the past, it is unlikely to be upheld by today's courts, making option C incorrect. It is crucial for health care providers to obtain informed consent from clients before proceeding with any treatment to avoid legal consequences and uphold ethical standards.