A 9-year-old patient has been diagnosed with leukemia. The patient's parents have given consent to enroll the child in a clinical trial of a new chemotherapy regimen. What is the nurse's primary obligation in this scenario?

Question

1. Start the trial medications as soon as possible.
2. Be certain all laboratory and diagnostic studies necessary for the trial are completed.
3. Advocate for the patient by requiring the child's assent to participate in the study.
4. Be certain to explain all procedures and nursing interventions to the patient as well as to the parents.

Answer 1

3
Rationale 1: This is an important nursing action, but not the most important in this scenario.
Rationale 2: This is an important nursing action, but not the most important in this scenario.
Rationale 3: Once a child is over 7 years of age, the child must give assent to the study, even if the parents have given consent.
Rationale 4: This is an important nursing action, but not the most important in this scenario.