The surgical team is preparing to insert a central venous catheter for a client on the telemetry unit. The primary healthcare provider has just completed discussing the procedure and left the room. When acting as a witness for the informed consent document, which responsibilities belong to the registered nurse? (Select all that apply.)
- Verify that the client is providing the signature voluntarily without any coercion.Answer
- Confirm that the client signs the document before receiving any preoperative sedative medications.Answer
- CDelegate the task of witnessing the consent form signature to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
- DAllow the older adult client to sign the form despite a sudden onset of confusion, assuming it is normal for their age.
- EReassure the client by stating that the procedure is completely risk-free to alleviate their anxiety.
- Notify the healthcare provider immediately if the client expresses a lack of understanding about the procedure.Answer
Answer
The correct responsibilities are verifying the signature is given voluntarily, ensuring the document is signed before administering sedatives, and notifying the provider if the client lacks understanding.
The registered nurse acts as a witness and patient advocate during the informed consent process. This means the correct actions include ensuring the client is legally competent (not sedated), ensuring the decision is voluntary (no coercion), and halting the process to notify the provider if the client still has questions. The provider, not the nurse, holds the responsibility for explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The RN's role in informed consent is to witness the signature voluntarily given by a competent client, and to advocate for the client by ensuring the provider has adequately explained the procedure.