Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyInformed Consent

A nurse is preparing a client for an elective colonoscopy. The client states, 'The physician told me I need this procedure, but I do not really understand what the risks are.' Which action should the nurse take?

  1. Notify the healthcare provider to return and explain the procedure's risks to the client.Answer
  2. B
    Provide a detailed explanation of the procedural risks and benefits so the client can sign the form.
  3. C
    Reassure the client that the procedure is very safe and ask them to sign the consent document.
  4. D
    Document the client's lack of understanding in the medical record and proceed with the preoperative checklist.

Answer

Notify the healthcare provider to return and explain the procedure's risks to the client.
The correct answer accurately reflects the legal boundaries of nursing practice. When a client expresses confusion or lack of knowledge about a procedure, the nurse must act as an advocate by stopping the process and notifying the healthcare provider. The provider is legally obligated to explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives before the client signs the consent form.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's level of understanding regarding the planned procedure.
The client explicitly states a lack of understanding regarding the risks.
Determining comprehension is required to validate that the consent is truly informed.
2
Identify the professional scope of practice boundaries for the registered nurse.
The nurse recognizes that explaining surgical or procedural risks is solely the responsibility of the performing healthcare provider.
Nurses witness the signature, verify voluntariness, and assess competence, but do not provide the primary medical explanation.
3
Intervene by contacting the appropriate personnel.
The nurse pauses the consent process and contacts the healthcare provider to speak with the client.
Client advocacy requires ensuring the client has all necessary information from the correct professional before signing legal documents.

Key Concept

The nurse's role in informed consent is to act as a witness and advocate, while the healthcare provider is legally responsible for explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Rate this question

Topics

Informed Consent

More questions from this topic