The nurse is caring for a patient who has emigrated from another country.The patient needs abdominal surgery but seems reluctant to sign the surgical permits.What is one tactic that the nurse should use?

A) Determine the family social hierarchy.
B) Encourage the patient to sign the permits.
C) Call the physician so that surgery can be cancelled.
D) Impress on the patient that her life is in jeopardy.

Nurses should determine the family social hierarchy as soon as possible to prevent offending patients and their families.Working with established family hierarchy prevents delays and achieves better patient outcomes.Encouraging the patient to sign against her social beliefs can cause familial strife.Explaining the level of jeopardy may create undue stress.Nurses should be able to determine the correct hierarchy and should not involve the physician at this time.