A client who is scheduled for a thyroidectomy is reviewing the informed consent document at a specialty clinic. The surgeon recently finished explaining the procedure and stepped out of the room. The client tells the practical nurse, "I cannot remember what the surgeon said about the risks of vocal cord nerve damage." What is the priority action for the nurse to take?
- Notify the surgeon to return to the room and clarify the potential complications with the clientAnswer
- BReview the potential surgical complications with the client using the clinic's standardized educational materials
- CAsk the registered nurse to explain the surgical risks so the client can proceed with signing the document
- DWitness the client's signature on the document and note the client's questions in the medical record
Answer
Notify the surgeon to return to the room and clarify the potential complications with the client
Informed consent requires that the client fully understands the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives. It is the legal responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure to explain these elements. Because the client has expressed a lack of understanding about a specific surgical risk, the practical nurse must advocate for the client by asking the surgeon to return and provide further clarification before any signatures are collected.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Informed Consent Scope of Practice