NCLEX-RNManagement of CareMedium
A client scheduled for a cardiac catheterization tells the nurse, 'I don't really understand why I need this test, but I signed the paper the doctor's assistant brought me.' What is the nurse's best action?
- AProceed with preprocedure preparation since consent is already signed
- BExplain the purpose and risks of the procedure to the client
- CNotify the physician that the client needs further explanation before the procedure
- DAsk the client's family member to explain the procedure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Notify the physician that the client needs further explanation before the procedure
The nurse's role in informed consent is to verify understanding and witness the signature, not to provide the detailed explanation of risks/benefits, which is the physician's legal responsibility. If the client lacks understanding, the nurse must notify the physician so true informed consent can be obtained before proceeding.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Proceeding without true understanding violates informed consent requirements.
- B. Explaining risks/benefits is the physician's legal duty, not the nurse's.
- D. Family members are not the legally responsible party for explaining the procedure.
Nurse's Role in Informed Consent
The physician performing the procedure is responsible for obtaining informed consent by explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives; the nurse witnesses the signature and verifies client understanding.
- Nurse witnesses signature, confirms voluntariness and understanding
- If client doesn't understand, notify the physician before proceeding
- Consent must be informed, voluntary, and given by a competent person
Memory trick: Doctor explains, nurse verifies and reports gaps