Which client is able to provide informed consent for treatment?

Informed consent refers to a client's ability to understand the information related to their treatment or procedure, consider the options, and make a voluntary decision regarding their care. For a client to provide informed consent, they must be able to comprehend the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the proposed treatment, as well as communicate their decision regarding that treatment.

The 18-year-old client with acute appendicitis is legally an adult and possesses the cognitive capacity to understand the details surrounding their condition and the necessary treatment. Being of legal age, this individual has the right to make decisions regarding their healthcare, including the provision of informed consent.

In contrast, a client receiving opioid medications via a PCA pump may have impaired cognitive function due to the effects of the medication. A client with moderate Alzheimer's disease likely has cognitive impairment impacting their decision-making abilities, which hinders their capacity to provide informed consent. Lastly, a 16-year-old client with a fractured tibia may be a minor, and while they can understand some aspects of their care, they typically require parental or guardian consent for medical treatment unless specific laws (like those pertaining to mature minors) apply.

Therefore, in this scenario, the 18-year-old client is the only individual with both the legal capacity and the