What is the nurse's role in informed consent?

What is the nurse's role in informed consent?

• A. Obtain consent from family only
• B. Witness the client's signature and ensure consent obtained
• C. Determine treatment without consent
• D. Sign the consent themselves

Answer: (B)

Informed consent is a voluntary, informed decision made by the patient or a legally authorized representative after receiving clear explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The nurse’s role is to witness the patient’s signature and ensure that consent has actually been obtained. This means confirming the patient understands what was explained, has had the opportunity to ask questions, and is making the decision without coercion, with capacity to decide. The nurse documents the process and ensures the form is properly completed. Consent from family alone isn’t sufficient because the patient or a legally authorized representative must provide consent. The nurse does not determine the treatment, nor should the nurse sign the consent form on behalf of the patient unless they are legally authorized to do so.

Informed consent is a voluntary, informed decision made by the patient or a legally authorized representative after receiving clear explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The nurse’s role is to witness the patient’s signature and ensure that consent has actually been obtained. This means confirming the patient understands what was explained, has had the opportunity to ask questions, and is making the decision without coercion, with capacity to decide. The nurse documents the process and ensures the form is properly completed.

Consent from family alone isn’t sufficient because the patient or a legally authorized representative must provide consent. The nurse does not determine the treatment, nor should the nurse sign the consent form on behalf of the patient unless they are legally authorized to do so.