A nurse is caring for a young adult client who has major depressive disorder and has been found legally incompetent. The client requires informed consent for abdominal surgery. The nurse should recognize that which of the following people can consent to the surgery?

A. The client's friend who visits daily: A friend, regardless of the frequency of visits or closeness, does not have legal authority to provide informed consent for medical procedures. Consent must come from someone legally recognized to make healthcare decisions. B. The client: Since the client has been legally declared incompetent, they are unable to provide informed consent. Their decision-making capacity is impaired, and legal authority shifts to a designated surrogate or guardian. C. The client's appointed guardian: The appointed guardian has the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on behalf of a client who is deemed incompetent. The guardian can provide informed consent for surgery while considering the client’s best interests and previously expressed wishes. D. The client's psychiatrist: While the psychiatrist can provide recommendations, evaluate capacity, and assist in decision-making, they do not have the legal authority to give consent for surgery unless specifically appointed as the client’s legal guardian.