NCLEX-RNManagement of CareEasy
A surgeon obtains informed consent from a client for an elective knee replacement and asks the nurse to witness the client's signature on the consent form. Which statement best describes the nurse's responsibility in this situation?
- AThe nurse must re-explain the surgical risks and benefits in detail before witnessing the signature
- BThe nurse confirms that the client is signing voluntarily and appears to understand, without needing to verify teaching content
- CThe nurse should refuse to witness the form because only a physician can witness surgical consent
- DThe nurse documents that the client fully understands all risks, which reduces the surgeon's legal liability
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The nurse confirms that the client is signing voluntarily and appears to understand, without needing to verify teaching content
When witnessing a consent signature, the nurse's role is to verify that the signature is voluntary and that the client appears competent and not coerced; the responsibility to explain the procedure, risks, and benefits belongs to the surgeon performing the procedure. Witnessing does not transfer the duty of disclosure to the nurse.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Re-explaining detailed risks and benefits is the surgeon's legal duty, not the witnessing nurse's.
- C. Nurses commonly and legally witness consent signatures; this is not restricted to physicians.
- D. Witnessing a signature does not guarantee or document full client understanding of risks.
Witnessing Informed Consent
When a nurse witnesses a client's signature on a consent form, the nurse confirms voluntariness and apparent competence, not that teaching or disclosure occurred.
- Disclosure of risks/benefits is the physician's duty
- Witnessing verifies signature is voluntary
- Nurse should notify provider if client seems confused or uninformed
- Nurses commonly serve as witnesses, not only physicians
Memory trick: Witnessing is watching the pen, not repeating the pitch.