An infant is admitted with a volvulus and scheduled for surgery. The parents are Jehowah's Witnesses and refuse to sign the permit. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? A. Obtain a court order. B. Call the doctor. C. Tell them that the surgery is optional. D. Monitor the situation.

To choose the most appropriate action for the nurse, let's first understand each of the given options: A. Obtain a court order: This would involve legal intervention to override the parents' refusal and allow the surgery. B. Call the doctor: This would involve informing the doctor about the parents' refusal to sign the permit and seek their guidance. C. Tell them that the surgery is optional: This would involve trying to convince the parents by suggesting that the surgery isn't necessary. D. Monitor the situation: This would involve observing the infant's condition without taking any immediate action.

As the infant has a volvulus, which means a twisted intestine, it is a serious medical condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. Delaying the surgery could lead to life-threatening complications for the infant. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to act in the best interest of the infant's health and safety.

A. Obtain a court order: While this option might lead to the surgery, it could take considerable time, and the infant's condition might worsen in the meantime. B. Call the doctor: This option enables the nurse to report the situation to the healthcare professional responsible for the infant's care. The doctor would be able to guide the nurse on the appropriate next steps, which might include discussing the issue further with the parents or contacting a hospital authority that could help with the situation. C. Tell them that the surgery is optional: This option is not accurate, as the surgery is, in fact, necessary for the infant's well-being. Providing false information to the parents is unethical and could have serious consequences. D. Monitor the situation: This option is passive and would not help in resolving the situation. The infant's condition might worsen while waiting, and it is not in his best interest.

Based on the evaluation of the given options, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to #call the doctor (option B)#. This option ensures the infant's best interest while keeping the doctor informed and allowing them to guide further actions in resolving the situation.