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Question

Difficulty: EasyClient Rights and Advocacy

A client is in an outpatient clinic awaiting a minor surgical excision. The healthcare provider has discussed the procedure, and the practical nurse brings the printed consent document for the client's signature. Before signing, the client hesitates and asks, 'I forgot what the doctor said about the risk of scarring. Can you explain that to me?' Which action is most appropriate for the practical nurse to take?

  1. A
    Explain the typical scarring expected for this specific procedure to help the client feel more comfortable.
  2. B
    Instruct the client to sign the document now and assure them the provider will answer the question right before the surgery.
  3. Withhold the document and notify the healthcare provider to return and clarify the risk of scarring.Answer
  4. D
    Review the standard risks listed on the consent document with the client to verify they understand them.

Answer

Withhold the document and notify the healthcare provider to return and clarify the risk of scarring.
The correct action is to pause the consent process and contact the primary healthcare provider. A client must have all their questions answered by the provider performing the procedure before they can give valid informed consent. The practical nurse acts as an advocate and a witness to the signature, but it is outside their scope of practice to explain procedural risks, alternatives, or outcomes.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's statement regarding the consent document.
The client indicates a lack of understanding about a specific procedural risk (scarring).
Identifying knowledge gaps ensures the client is truly informed before signing.
2
Determine the scope of practice for the practical nurse regarding informed consent.
The nurse's role is strictly to witness the voluntary signature, not to explain risks or the procedure itself.
Explaining surgical risks falls exclusively under the healthcare provider's scope of practice.
3
Take action to advocate for the client's right to informed consent.
Delay the signing process and contact the healthcare provider to return and address the client's questions.
This guarantees the client's legal rights are protected and valid consent is obtained.

Key Concept

The practical nurse's role in informed consent is limited to witnessing the signature voluntarily given by a fully informed client; addressing questions about risks or the procedure itself requires the provider.
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Topics

Client Rights and Advocacy

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