FREE ABPANC Advocacy/Professional Responsibility Questions and Answers
A patient in the PACU is confused and unable to make decisions regarding their care. The family disagrees about treatment options. As the nurse, what is your primary role?
As a perianesthesia nurse, your role is to advocate for the patient when they are unable to do so. The nurse must prioritize the patient’s best interests and consult the physician to ensure ethical and professional decision-making. Ignoring the family or deferring to the loudest voice does not align with ethical practice.
During handoff, a nurse forgets to report that the patient had a mild allergic reaction to a medication in the PACU. What should the receiving nurse do?
Accurate and complete communication during handoff is critical for patient safety. Reporting the omission ensures that the correct information is shared and documented. This reflects the nurse’s professional responsibility and commitment to ethical practice, reducing the risk of repeated errors.
A patient expresses concern about signing their informed consent because they do not fully understand the procedure. What is the nurse’s responsibility?
The nurse must ensure that the patient understands the procedure before signing informed consent. However, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to explain the procedure, risks, and benefits. Advocating for the patient’s understanding demonstrates professional accountability and ethical care.
A nurse notices that a coworker administered the wrong medication to a patient. What is the nurse's immediate responsibility?
When a medication error occurs, the nurse has a professional and ethical obligation to report it immediately to ensure patient safety. Monitoring the patient for adverse effects and following facility policies ensures proper intervention and prevents harm. Keeping such errors confidential violates safety and professional standards.
A patient who does not speak English arrives in the pre-op area. A family member offers to translate for the nurse. What is the best action to take?
Professional standards require the use of certified medical interpreters to ensure accurate communication, protect patient privacy, and meet legal and ethical requirements. Allowing a family member to translate may lead to errors or omissions and violates confidentiality.