While working on a medical-telemetry unit, a practical nurse prepares a client for an upcoming cardiac catheterization. The client states, "The physician told me all about the procedure this morning, but my memory is terrible and I cannot recall the potential complications." The client has not yet signed the informed consent document. Which of the following is the most appropriate action by the nurse?
- Contact the physician to speak with the client again prior to obtaining the signatureCevap
- BRead the list of risks printed on the consent form to the client to refresh their memory
- CAsk the charge registered nurse to explain the potential risks and complications to the client
- DReassure the client that the procedure is extremely safe and complications are very rare
Cevap
Contact the physician to speak with the client again prior to obtaining the signature
The role of the practical nurse during the informed consent process is to act as a witness to the client's voluntary signature and to verify that the client understands the information presented by the provider. Because the client openly admits to forgetting the potential complications, they do not currently have the required understanding to provide valid consent. It is exclusively the provider's legal responsibility to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives. Therefore, the nurse must withhold the document and notify the physician to clarify this information.
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Anahtar Kavram
Informed Consent Witnessing and Scope of Practice