Which one of the following individuals may legally give informed conse

Which one of the following individuals may legally give informed consent?

1. A 16-year-old for her newborn child
2. A sedated 42-year-old preoperative client
3. The friend of an 84-year-old married client
4. A 56-year-old who does not understand the proposed treatment plan

ANSWER

ANS: 1
An emancipated minor, one who is below the age of 18 but who is a parent, can legally give in-formed consent for the care of her newborn. An emancipated minor can also be someone below the age of 18 who is legally married. A person who has been sedated cannot legally give in-formed consent. Consent should be obtained before a sedative is administered. If the 84-year-old client were unable to give consent, then the client’s wife would be the person legally authorized to do so on the client’s behalf. In order for a friend to be legally able to give consent, he or she would have to possess power of attorney or legal guardianship of the client. If a client does not understand the proposed treatment plan, the nurse must notify the physician or nursing supervisor and must make certain that clients are informed before signing the consent.