A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an elective surgical procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take regarding informed consent?
Obtain the client's consent.
Explain the procedure to the client if they do not understand.
Witness the client's signature.
Explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Obtaining the client's consent is the responsibility of the provider, not the nurse. The nurse should ensure the client is informed but cannot independently obtain consent.
B. It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to explain the procedure in detail; this is the responsibility of the healthcare provider. The nurse can clarify information if the client has questions but should not assume the role of the educator regarding the procedure.
C. Witnessing the client's signature is an appropriate action for the nurse once the client has received information from the provider and understands the procedure, as it confirms that the client voluntarily consents.
D. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure is also the responsibility of the healthcare provider, as they are the ones performing the procedure and are qualified to discuss it in detail.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The nurse can provide information about the procedure and assist the client in understanding the consent form, but they are not responsible for obtaining informed consent.
B. The surgical suite nurse assists in the surgical environment but does not have the authority to obtain consent.
C. The anesthesiologist discusses the anesthesia involved but does not obtain consent for the surgery itself.
D. The surgeon is responsible for obtaining informed consent, as they must explain the procedure, risks, and benefits to the client before the client can make an informed decision.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Using attentive listening with the client demonstrates the principle of presence by showing that the nurse is fully engaged and invested in the client's experience, fostering a collaborative relationship.
B. While focusing on the client’s present circumstances is important, the personal stories shared by clients can provide context and enhance understanding, so limiting this aspect is not ideal.
C. Offering personal thoughts and beliefs can shift the focus away from the client and is generally not appropriate in professional communication.
D. While verbalizing understanding is a supportive action, it does not fully encapsulate the principle of presence, which emphasizes active engagement and listening.