A nurse is preparing to witness the informed consent for a patient scheduled for elective surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)
Obtain verbal consent from the patient without a signed document if the patient agrees.
Verify that the patient understands the procedure and its risks.
Provide detailed postoperative care plans during the consent process.
Explain alternative treatment options that the provider did not discuss.
Witness the patient's signature on the consent form after confirming understanding.
Confirm the patient is legally competent and not under the influence of sedatives.
Correct Answer : B,E,F
Rationale:
A. Obtaining verbal consent without a signed document is incorrect because for elective surgeries, a signed informed consent form is legally required. Verbal consent alone does not meet legal or institutional standards and cannot replace the formal documentation process.
B. Verifying that the patient understands the procedure and its risks is correct because the nurse’s role in witnessing consent includes confirming that the patient has received appropriate information from the provider and comprehends the nature, purpose, risks, and benefits of the procedure. This ensures informed decision-making.
C. Providing detailed postoperative care plans during the consent process is incorrect because the nurse should not provide medical advice or substitute for the provider’s explanation. Postoperative instructions are important but are part of patient education, not the consent process itself.
D. Explaining alternative treatment options that the provider did not discuss is incorrect because the nurse does not provide or interpret treatment options. Discussing alternatives is the responsibility of the provider obtaining consent. The nurse can clarify what was explained but cannot add new medical information.
E. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the consent form after confirming understanding is correct because the nurse ensures the signature is authentic and that the patient is voluntarily consenting. This action does not involve providing medical explanations but confirms legal and ethical standards are met.
F. Confirming the patient is legally competent and not under the influence of sedatives is correct because a patient must be able to make an informed decision. The nurse verifies that the patient has the cognitive ability and capacity to provide voluntary consent, which protects both the patient and the institution legally.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Scanning the bar code on the medication administration record (MAR) and the client’s armband is correct practice. This is part of barcode-assisted medication administration (BCMA), which helps ensure the “five rights” of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.
B. Documenting medication administration prior to giving the medication is incorrect and requires intervention because it can lead to medication errors and falsification of records. Accurate documentation should always occur after the medication is administered to ensure the record reflects what was actually given and to maintain patient safety. Pre-documentation creates a risk of missing errors, skipped doses, or giving the wrong medication.
C. Checking the provider's orders and confirming the dosage in a medication reference guide is correct because it demonstrates due diligence in verifying medication safety and dosage accuracy before administration.
D. Verifying the medication against the prescription and medication label is correct as it ensures accuracy in medication delivery, preventing errors such as administering the wrong drug or incorrect dose.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A nurse can only share information from the client's medical record with immediate family members is incorrect because sharing patient information is governed by HIPAA and facility policies, not solely by family relationships. Information should only be shared with those who have legal authorization or the patient’s consent, regardless of family status.
B. A nurse can share information about a client with clients who have a similar diagnosis is incorrect because sharing any identifiable patient information with other clients violates confidentiality and privacy regulations. Diagnosis alone does not permit disclosure of protected health information (PHI).
C. A nurse can access the records of any client in the healthcare facility, as long as the information is not shared is incorrect because access is restricted to clients for whom the nurse is directly providing care or has a legitimate, work-related reason. Accessing unrelated records, even without sharing, is considered a privacy violation.
D. A nurse can only access the records of clients they are actively caring for is correct because this aligns with legal and ethical standards for patient confidentiality. Nurses must access medical records only when necessary for providing care or performing job-related duties, ensuring privacy and adherence to facility policies and HIPAA regulations.
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