While working in a skilled nursing facility, a practical nurse observes the healthcare provider leaving a resident's room. The provider hands the nurse a consent form and states, "I have explained the bedside wound debridement. Please get the resident's signature." When the nurse presents the form, the resident asks, "I forgot to ask if they have to remove any healthy tissue along with the bad tissue. Do you know?" Which action should the nurse take?
- Defer witnessing the document and page the provider to clarify the surgical details with the resident.Answer
- BReassure the resident that only necrotic tissue is removed and proceed to witness the signature on the document.
- CAsk the supervising registered nurse to explain the specific steps of the debridement to the resident.
- DInstruct the resident to sign the form now and promise to ask the provider the question before the procedure begins.
Answer
Defer witnessing the document and page the provider to clarify the surgical details with the resident.
The correct action is to defer witnessing the document and contact the provider. The practical nurse's role in informed consent is strictly limited to witnessing the signature and verifying that the client gave voluntary consent. Because the client has an unresolved question about the procedure itself, they are not fully informed. It is the sole responsibility of the provider performing the procedure to explain the risks, benefits, and procedural details.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse's role in informed consent is limited to witnessing the signature, while the healthcare provider is solely responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, and alternatives.