An older adult client is resting in the preoperative holding area awaiting an elective joint replacement. The primary surgeon has just finished explaining the procedure to the client and departed the unit. The charge nurse assigns the practical nurse to secure the client's signature on the preoperative consent document. As the practical nurse hands a pen to the client, the client states, 'I am willing to sign this, but I still have absolutely no idea what the recovery time will be or what the specific risks are.' Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the practical nurse to take?
- Pause the signing process and ensure the surgeon is notified to return and clarify the procedure for the client.Answer
- BProvide a comprehensive explanation of the potential surgical complications and expected recovery timeline before obtaining the signature.
- CReassure the client that the surgeon is highly skilled and instruct them to sign the form to avoid delaying the operating room schedule.
- DDelegate the task of answering the client's medical questions to the registered nurse before proceeding with the consent form.
Answer
The practical nurse must halt the signing process and contact the surgeon to return and answer the client's questions, as nurses cannot provide the primary medical explanation for a procedure.
The correct answer emphasizes that informed consent is a legal right requiring the client to fully understand the procedure, risks, and alternatives. The practical nurse acts as a client advocate and a witness to the signature, not as the primary source of medical information. If a client expresses confusion or a lack of understanding, the nurse must immediately halt the signing process and notify the primary healthcare provider to return and clarify the details.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Informed Consent and the Practical Nurse's Role