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Difficulty: EasyLegal and Ethical Practice

A client on a surgical unit is preparing for an elective procedure. The healthcare provider has just completed discussing the procedure, its risks, and its benefits with the client, and leaves the consent form at the bedside. What is the legally appropriate action for the practical nurse (PN) regarding this document?

  1. Witness the client's signature on the document to confirm it is provided voluntarily.Answer
  2. B
    Explain the potential surgical complications to the client before they sign the form.
  3. C
    Instruct an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to obtain the client's signature on the form.
  4. D
    Place the signed document in a public tray at the nursing station for the surgical team.

Answer

Witness the client's signature on the document to confirm it is provided voluntarily.
In the informed consent process, the primary role of the practical nurse is to witness the client's signature, ensuring that the client is signing voluntarily and appears competent to do so.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the PN's scope of practice regarding the informed consent process.
The healthcare provider is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, and benefits. The nurse's role is solely to act as a witness.
Scope of practice guidelines dictate that informed consent education is the provider's duty, while the nurse advocates for the client and verifies voluntary signing.
2
Evaluate the remaining options for legal and ethical compliance.
Delegating the consent process to a UAP or leaving the form in a public area violates delegation standards and confidentiality laws.
Nurses must protect client privacy (HIPAA) and only delegate tasks appropriately within the legal scope of practice.

Key Concept

Practical Nurse Role in Informed Consent
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Legal and Ethical Practice

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