The nurse witnesses a client providing informed consent to the primary healthcare provider (PHCP).
The nurse understands that obtaining informed consent demonstrates respect for the client’s
The nurse witnesses a client providing informed consent to the primary healthcare provider (PHCP).
The nurse understands that obtaining informed consent demonstrates respect for the client’s
A. beneficence.
[7%]
B. autonomy.
[82%]
C. nonmaleficence.
[3%]
D. confidentiality.
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Ethical Practice
Item Type
Item Type
Analysis
Explanation
Choice B is correct. Informed consent is a client's agreement to have a medical procedure performed following full disclosure of risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of refusal. The principles of autonomy and self-determination govern the practice of informed consent.
Choice A is incorrect. Beneficence refers to taking positive actions to assist others. This concept is fundamental to the practice of both nursing and medicine alike. When one agrees to act with beneficence, the client's best interests will remain more important than one's self-interest. Although assisting a client in the informed consent process is a beneficent action, beneficence itself is not a principle governing the practice of informed consent.
Choice C is incorrect. Nonmaleficence refers to the avoidance of harm or hurt. More specifically, ethical practice in health care involves the will to do good and an equal commitment to do no harm. Although nurses follow an ethical responsibility of nonmaleficence during the informed consent process, nonmaleficence is not a principle governing the practice of informed consent.
Choice D is incorrect. Confidentiality is fundamental to the relationship between a nurse and a client. Although most laws mandate that the nurse adheres to confidentiality regulations, confidentiality is not a governing principle of informed consent.
Learning Objective
Identify which principle primarily governs the practice of informed consent.
Related Videos
4 Key Topics
Autonomy
15.10 Ethical Principles in Healthcare
Informed Consent
15.1 Documentation, Consent & Information Systems
Additional Info
✓ The key elements of informed consent include the following:
- The client receives an explanation of the procedure or treatment.
- The client receives the names and qualifications of individual(s) performing and assisting in the procedure.
- The client receives a description of the risks, including death, which may occur as a result of the procedure.
- The client receives an explanation of alternative therapies to the proposed procedure or treatment and the risks of doing nothing.
- The client is also aware of the right to refuse the procedure or treatment without discontinuing other supportive measures.
- The client is aware of the right to discontinue the procedure or treatment at any time.
✓ The nurse should assess the client's emotional and mental state to determine if they are in the right frame of mind to provide informed consent. If the client is anxious, distressed, or under the influence of medication that could impair judgment, the nurse should advocate for delaying the consent process until the client is calm and capable of making an informed decision.
✓ The nurse should ensure that there are no barriers to communication during the informed consent process. This includes providing language translation services for clients who do not speak the primary language used in the healthcare setting, using sign language interpreters for clients with hearing impairments, and ensuring that clients with visual impairments have access to information in a format they can understand.
