A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for surgery. The nurse’s role in regard to informed consent is which of the following?

Choice A reason: Discussing alternative treatments is the responsibility of the provider performing the procedure, as part of obtaining informed consent. The nurse should not provide the substantive risk–benefit analysis or alternative interventions, which could be considered practicing beyond scope or create conflicting information. The nurse supports the process by reinforcing education and facilitating questions to the provider but does not originate discussions of alternatives that inform consent.

Choice B reason: Assessing and determining the client’s understanding is central to the nurse’s role. The nurse verifies that the client can articulate, in their own words, the nature of the procedure, its purpose, expected outcomes, major risks, benefits, and alternatives, and that consent is voluntary. If gaps or misconceptions are identified, the nurse facilitates clarification by the provider before the client signs. This protects patient autonomy, ensures ethical standards, and upholds legal requirements for valid informed consent.

Choice C reason: Explaining procedural risks is the provider’s duty, as only the clinician performing the procedure can fully represent the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected outcomes specific to the intervention. The nurse may reinforce understanding by encouraging questions or providing general support but should not be the primary source of risk disclosure. Doing so could misrepresent information or exceed scope, potentially invalidating consent if the provider has not adequately informed the client.

Choice D reason: Witnessing the signature can be performed by a qualified nurse who is present, not specifically the charge nurse. The emphasis is ensuring that the signer is the correct patient, they are consenting voluntarily, and the form is completed after adequate explanation by the provider. Delegating or insisting on a charge nurse is unnecessary and may delay care. The nurse present should witness per policy, while also verifying understanding and facilitating provider re-explanation if needed.