While working on a surgical unit, a practical nurse (PN) converses with a client who is scheduled for an elective hernia repair in two hours. The client points to an unsigned informed consent form and states, "The surgeon was just in here, but they talked so fast. I still do not understand what the possible complications of this surgery are." Which action should the PN take to best advocate for this client?
- Notify the surgeon that the client requires further explanation before signing the document.Answer
- BExplain the potential surgical complications to the client using simple, non-medical terminology.
- CDocument the client's verbalized concerns and proceed to witness their signature on the form.
- DDelegate the task of reading the detailed surgical information packet to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Answer
The correct action is to notify the surgeon that the client needs further explanation about the procedure's complications before they can sign the consent form.
To provide valid informed consent, a client must comprehend the procedure, its alternatives, and its potential risks. It is the strict legal responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to explain these elements. When a client verbalizes a lack of understanding, the nurse's role as a client advocate is to withhold the consent form and notify the provider to return and clarify the necessary information.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The healthcare provider is legally responsible for explaining a procedure and its risks; the nurse's role is to advocate for the client by ensuring they understand the information before witnessing their signature.