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NCLEX · Advance Directives and Legal Rights

Which situation is an example of a nurse obtaining 'informed consent' correctly?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The provider explains the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the client, and the nurse witnesses the client's voluntary signature and verifies understanding

  1. A Consent is assumed without discussion
  2. B The provider explains the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives to the client, and the nurse witnesses the client's voluntary signature and verifies understanding
  3. C The nurse explains the surgery and risks and obtains the signature
  4. D The nurse signs for the client

Why this is the answer

INFORMED CONSENT is the responsibility of the PROVIDER performing the procedure (physician/surgeon), who must explain: the PROCEDURE, its RISKS, BENEFITS, and ALTERNATIVES (including the option of no treatment), in terms the client understands. The NURSE'S ROLE: WITNESS the client's VOLUNTARY signature, verify the client appears to UNDERSTAND, confirm consent is voluntary (no coercion), and ensure the client's questions are answered (referring unanswered questions back to the provider). NCLEX safe care/legal-ethical. The nurse does NOT obtain the consent by explaining the procedure themselves, and never signs for the client. Consent must be informed, voluntary, and from a competent adult (or legal surrogate). Knowing the provider obtains informed consent and the nurse witnesses/verifies understanding is a heavily tested NCLEX legal concept.
Source: NCLEX Safe Care — Informed Consent

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About this topic: Advance Directives and Legal Rights

Advance directives and legal rights questions cover living wills, durable power of attorney for health care, DNR orders, client rights and the nurse's duty when a client's wishes are unclear or contested. This is one of 7 RN: Safe and Effective Care Environment questions on advance directives and legal rights, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

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