A patient is signing a surgical consent. Afterwards, the nurse ...

[HudsonKB16]

A patient is signing a surgical consent. Afterwards, the nurse also signs the form. What is the meaning of the nurse's signature?
 
  1. It means the patient was alert and aware of what was being signed.
  2. It means the patient understood the procedure as described by the nurse.
  3. It means the surgeon was too busy to wait for the patient to sign the form.
  4. It means there is a likelihood of a successful outcome.

Question 2

An older surgical patient is having an epidural catheter inserted for pain control. What does the nurse realize is an advantage of using this method of pain medication for this patient?
 
  1. improved bowel activity
  2. faster wound healing
  3. earlier ambulation
  4. improved appetite

[coyin]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

The nurse also signs the form to indicate that the correct person is signing the form and that the patient was alert and aware of what was being signed. Providing a description of the surgical procedure is not the responsibility of the nurse. It is the responsibility of the physician. Obtaining the consent form is a nursing function. The physician's schedule is not a factor. Success of the outcome is not dependent upon the completion of the consent form.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

This type of intraspinal anesthesia provides safe and effective pain relief for patients of all ages with less risk of adverse effects than general anesthesia. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia does not cause faster wound healing, earlier ambulation, or improved appetite in the older patient.

[HudsonKB16]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[Dnite]

Excellent