During a preoperative home health assessment, a client scheduled for a cardiac catheterization hands a signed consent form to the practical nurse (PN). The client states, "I signed this earlier, but I still do not understand what the surgeon meant by potential vascular complications." Which of the following actions should the PN take? Select all that apply.
- Contact the surgeon to report the client's lack of understanding regarding the procedure.Answer
- Record the client's verbalized confusion and the communications made in the health record.Answer
- Delay validating the document as a witness until the surgeon addresses the client's concerns.Answer
- DClarify the specific circulatory risks associated with the surgery to help reduce the client's anxiety.
- EAccept a directive from the charge nurse to conduct the detailed preoperative risk education.
Answer
The correct actions are to contact the surgeon to report the lack of understanding, record the client's confusion in the health record, and delay validating the document as a witness.
Informed consent is a legal process where the healthcare provider must explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives. The practical nurse's role is solely to witness the signature, ensuring it is given voluntarily by a competent client. If the client indicates any lack of understanding, the consent is legally invalid. The nurse must immediately stop the process, refrain from acting as a witness, notify the provider to supply further explanation, and document the entire situation accurately in the health record.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Informed consent requires the healthcare provider to explain risks and benefits. The practical nurse's role is strictly limited to witnessing the voluntary signature, and they must halt the process if the client lacks understanding.