The nurse is to obtain an informed consent for a patient before surgery is performed.The nurse recognizes that which of the following statements is true?
A)Informed consent is required by law to protect the surgeon in case of an adverse outcome.
B)Only the patient can sign a surgical consent.
C)The nurse's legal responsibility is to ensure that the patient understands the information presented.
D)The surgeon should give the patient information about the surgery.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The surgeon should give the patient information about the extent and type of surgery,alternative therapies,usual risks and benefits,and consequences of not having surgery in a nonthreatening manner,as outlined in The Patient Care Partnership developed by the American Hospital Association (AHA).Informed consent is required by law to help protect patients' rights,their autonomy,and their privacy.The patient or the patient's legal guardian must sign a surgical consent form that includes this information.If the patient's cultural practices include male dominance,the husband,father,or oldest brother of a female patient also may need to sign the consent form.It is the nurse's ethical (not legal)responsibility,acting as the patient's advocate,to ensure that the patient understands the information.See institutional policy regarding consent.

The Nurse Is to Obtain an Informed Consent for a Patient