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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
