A nurse is witnessing the informed consent for a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Ask the client if they understand the procedure. The nurse’s role in informed consent is to confirm that the client understands the procedure and voluntarily agrees to it. If the client has questions or does not understand, the nurse should notify the provider for further explanation. B. Describe the procedure to the client. It is the provider’s responsibility to explain the procedure in detail, including what it entails. The nurse should not provide this explanation. C. Inform the client about alternative treatment options. The provider must discuss alternative treatment options, not the nurse. The nurse can ensure that this discussion has occurred but does not provide the alternatives. D. Explain the risks of the procedure to the client. The provider is responsible for explaining the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of the procedure. The nurse’s role is to witness the consent and ensure the client understands.