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Difficulty: EasyInformed Consent

A client on a medical-surgical unit is scheduled for a thoracentesis. The healthcare provider has discussed the procedure with the client, and the consent form is now ready to be signed. Which action correctly describes the registered nurse's primary role in the informed consent process?

  1. Witnessing the client's signature and verifying that the consent is given voluntarilyAnswer
  2. B
    Explaining the potential risks and complications of the procedure to the client
  3. C
    Providing detailed information about alternative diagnostic treatments
  4. D
    Determining the medical necessity of the procedure prior to obtaining the signature

Answer

The nurse's role is witnessing the client's signature and verifying that the consent is given voluntarily.
The correct answer accurately reflects the registered nurse's legal and ethical role in informed consent. The nurse acts as a witness to the client's signature, confirms that the client is competent to make the decision, and ensures that the client is signing voluntarily without coercion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the core elements of the informed consent process.
The process requires disclosure of information by the provider, comprehension by the client, and voluntary consent.
Understanding the components of consent clarifies which team member is responsible for each part.
2
Differentiate between the healthcare provider's role and the registered nurse's role.
The provider must explain the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The nurse acts as an advocate and witness.
Nurses must practice within their legal scope of practice and avoid assuming provider responsibilities.
3
Select the action that aligns with the registered nurse's legal scope of practice.
Witnessing the signature and ensuring voluntariness is the correct nursing action.
This action fulfills the nurse's duty as a client advocate and legal witness.

Key Concept

Informed Consent
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Topics

Informed Consent

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