A 12-year-old child is scheduled for an appendectomy. The child’s mother has already signed the consent form and the child is about to be wheeled by the nurse to the operating room when her father arrives. It is made known to the nurse that the child’s parents are divorced and have joint legal custody. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A 12-year-old child is scheduled for an appendectomy. The child’s mother has already signed the consent form and the child is about to be wheeled by the nurse to the operating room when her father arrives. It is made known to the nurse that the child’s parents are divorced and have joint legal custody. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Have the father sign a new consent form.
[12%]
B. Cancel the operation.
[0%]
C. Proceed with the child’s operation.
[59%]
D. Notify the physician.
[28%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Child Health
Lesson
Gastrointestinal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Informed Consent
Item Type
Item Type
Knowledge/Comprehension
Explanation
Choice C is correct. The signature of the child’s mother is enough to provide consent.
Choice A is incorrect. Obtaining additional consent from the father is not necessary and could cause unnecessary delays in treatment.
Choice B is incorrect. The signature of the child’s mother is enough to provide consent. The surgery can proceed and there is no reason to cancel it. Canceling it could endanger the child's health if the surgery is necessary and time-sensitive.
Choice D is incorrect. While keeping the physician informed is always a good practice, this action is not necessarily required solely for consent issues when one parent's consent is already obtained and legally sufficient.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Informed Consent
15.1 Documentation, Consent & Information Systems
Additional Info
✓ According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, appendicitis is the most common cause of emergency abdominal surgery in children, with approximately 70,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States.
✓ Maintain open and respectful communication with both parents, providing them with information about the procedure, risks, and benefits. Address any concerns or questions raised by either parent to facilitate understanding and cooperation.
✓ Familiarize yourself with hospital policies and state laws regarding consent for minors and procedures involving joint legal custody.
