A client is admitted for a C-section. She wishes to have both her tubes tied during the surgery but does not want her husband to know. What should the nurse do?

• A. Proceed as patient wants and document.
• B. Refuse and inform husband.
• C. Discuss with husband before proceeding.
• D. Delay the tubal ligation until consent is obtained from husband.

Answer: (A)

Respecting patient autonomy and confidentiality is the key here. If the patient is competent and has given valid informed consent for tubal ligation during the C-section, the nurse should proceed with the tubal ligation as requested and document the consent. Privacy is protected by not disclosing the decision to her husband without her permission, since the patient controls who is told about her medical decisions. If there were no prior consent or questions about capacity, the situation would require a different approach, but with valid consent in place, proceeding aligns with the patient’s rights.