The nurse is preparing to sign a client's surgical consent form after the physician has explained the procedure to the client and family. As the client signs the form, she comments “I really didn’t understand most of what the doctor said, but I have to have this procedure, so I want to sign.” Which is the appropriate nursing action?
The nurse is preparing to sign a client's surgical consent form after the physician has explained the procedure to the client and family. As the client signs the form, she comments “I really didn’t understand most of what the doctor said, but I have to have this procedure, so I want to sign.” Which is the appropriate nursing action?
A. Witness the document, as the client states she wants to sign it.
[2%]
B. Notify the physician or nursing supervisor.
[83%]
C. Call the OR to cancel the procedure and reschedule at a later date.
[1%]
D. Explain the information she did not understand.
[15%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Leadership & Management
Lesson
Ethical/Legal
Client Need
Test Plan
Management of Care
Related Topic
Informed Consent
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice B is correct. The person (in this case, the doctor) responsible for performing the procedure has the responsibility to obtain the client's consent, providing a clear explanation about the procedure and all associated risks. When witnessing the client's signature, the nurse should confirm that the client understands the information about the procedure. If the client denies understanding, the nurse must then contact the physician or the nursing supervisor.
Choice A is incorrect. The nurse has to witness the client's signature but even prior to that, she must confirm that the client understood the information about the procedure.
Choice C is incorrect. The nurse must call the physician or nursing supervisor and inform them that the client did not understand the procedure information. Canceling the procedure is not necessary as something else needs to be done first.
Choice D is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the person performing the procedure (in this case, the doctor) to obtain the client's consent, providing a clear explanation about the procedure and all associated risks. The nurse only needs to confirm if the client understood it.
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2 Key Topics
Informed Consent
