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Difficulty: MediumInformed Consent

During a routine preoperative assessment for an elective lumbar laminectomy, the nurse prepares to witness the client's signature on the informed consent form. As the nurse hands over the pen, the client hesitates and states, "I know the surgeon talked to me about this earlier today, but I honestly still have no idea what the actual complications could be." Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

  1. A
    Reassure the client that the surgical team is highly experienced and complications are extremely rare.
  2. B
    Delegate the task of reading the hospital's surgical education pamphlet to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
  3. C
    Sit with the client and comprehensively explain the potential surgical complications and alternative treatments.
  4. Notify the healthcare provider that the client requires further explanation of the procedure's risks.Answer

Answer

Notify the healthcare provider that the client requires further explanation of the procedure's risks.
The correct answer accurately reflects the nurse's role as a client advocate in the informed consent process. When a client indicates a lack of understanding about the risks of a procedure, the nurse cannot witness the signature. The nurse must notify the healthcare provider, who is legally obligated to explain the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's level of understanding regarding the planned procedure.
The client explicitly states they do not understand the potential complications of the surgery.
The nurse's role in informed consent is to ensure the client is competent, acting voluntarily, and possesses an adequate understanding of what the provider explained.
2
Identify the appropriate scope of practice for addressing the knowledge deficit.
Explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a surgery is the sole responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure.
Nurses may clarify basic information but cannot be the primary source of explanation for procedural risks and alternative treatments.
3
Implement the priority nursing intervention.
The nurse pauses the consent process and contacts the healthcare provider.
Advocating for the client's right to full disclosure before signing a legal consent document is a fundamental ethical and legal nursing responsibility.

Key Concept

Informed Consent
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Topics

Informed Consent

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