Fundamentals of Nursing Q 471
Even though the nurse may obtain the client’s signature on a form, obtaining informed consent is the responsibility of the:
A. Client
B. Physician
C. Student nurse
D. Supervising nurse
Correct Answer: B. Physician
It is the obligation of the provider to make it clear that the patient is participating in the decision-making process and avoid making the patient feel forced to agree to the provider. The provider must make a recommendation and provide their reasoning for said recommendation.
Option A: Informed consent is the process in which a health care provider educates a patient about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a given procedure or intervention. The patient must be competent to make a voluntary decision about whether to undergo the procedure or intervention.
Option C: Members of the healthcare team, such as nurses and patient care assistants, should also be educated about all potential adverse reactions so that they are able to identify them and notify a provider so that any immediate intervention that is needed can be performed in a timely manner.
Option D: Members of the healthcare team involved with the care of a patient should also be informed about procedures and interventions as they may be used as witnesses in obtaining informed consent. They would be able to evaluate whether all necessary information was given to the patient and provide any information the provider obtaining informed consent may have forgotten.