At a subacute rehabilitation facility, a client is scheduled for an elective bedside gastrostomy tube insertion. The attending physician has already visited the room to discuss the procedure, risks, and alternatives, leaving the consent document with the client. When the practical nurse enters to administer morning medications, the client states, "I am ready to sign this now, but I completely forgot what the doctor mentioned regarding the potential for infection. Can you just refresh my memory on that one detail?" Which action is the priority for the practical nurse to take?
- Inform the client that the physician must return to review the infection risks prior to any signatures being collectedAnswer
- BRead the infection risk section aloud from the facility's standardized gastrostomy brochure before witnessing the signature
- CAsk the charge nurse to explain the potential complications to the client so the scheduled procedure is not delayed
- DWitness the signature since the client explicitly stated they are ready to sign and the physician already completed the initial discussion
Answer
Inform the client that the physician must return to review the infection risks prior to any signatures being collected.
The correct action recognizes the strict legal boundaries of the practical nurse's scope of practice. Informed consent requires the client to fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure. Because explaining these elements is strictly the duty of the healthcare provider performing the procedure, any questions or forgotten details regarding medical risks must be directed back to that provider before the client signs the document.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse's role in informed consent is strictly limited to witnessing the client's signature and ensuring the client appears competent and is acting voluntarily; the PN must never explain or clarify procedural risks, even if the provider has already done so.