An older adult client is seated in the procedure room awaiting a scheduled thoracentesis. When the practical nurse (PN) asks if the client is ready to sign the informed consent document, the client replies, "I will sign it, but I am still not entirely sure what happens if my lung gets punctured." Which action is the priority for the PN?
- AExplain the signs of a punctured lung and how the healthcare team would treat it.
- BReassure the client that the provider performs this procedure frequently with minimal complications.
- Stop the consent process and notify the healthcare provider to speak with the client.Answer
- DWitness the client's signature and document the knowledge deficit in the medical record.
Answer
Stop the consent process and notify the healthcare provider to speak with the client.
Informed consent requires the client to fully understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure. Because explaining these elements is strictly the responsibility of the healthcare provider, the practical nurse must advocate for the client by stopping the consent process and having the provider return to answer the client's questions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The practical nurse's role in informed consent is limited to witnessing the signature and verifying voluntary agreement. If a client expresses a knowledge deficit, the PN must halt the process and notify the provider.