A nurse is assisting with obtaining informed consent from the parent of a toddler who is scheduled for a surgical procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Determine the parent's understanding of the procedure: The nurse’s role in informed consent includes ensuring the parent understands the information provided by the provider. Assessing comprehension helps identify if clarification is needed before consent is valid. B. Discuss the benefits of the procedure: Explaining benefits is the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure. The nurse should not provide this information independently but may reinforce it if previously discussed. C. Explain the risks associated with the procedure: Discussing risks falls under the provider’s responsibility, as it involves clinical judgment and decision-making authority that goes beyond the nurse’s scope during consent. D. Provide detailed information about the procedure to the parent: Detailed procedural explanations should come from the provider to ensure accuracy and legal appropriateness. The nurse can support and clarify but not replace the provider's explanation.