The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. The patient states that she is very nervous and really does not understand what the surgical procedure is for or how it will be performed. What is the most appropriate nursing action for the nurse to take?
A) Have the patient sign the informed consent and place it in the chart.
B) Call the physician to review the procedure with the patient.
C) Explain the procedure clearly to the patient and her family.
D) Provide the patient with a pamphlet explaining the procedure.
Ans: B
Feedback:
While the nurse may ask the patient to sign the consent form and witness the signature, it is the surgeon's responsibility to provide a clear and simple explanation of what the surgery will entail prior to the patient giving consent. The surgeon must also inform the patient of the benefits, alternatives, possible risks, complications, disfigurement, disability, and removal of body parts as well as what to expect in the early and late postoperative periods. The nurse clarifies the information provided, and, if the patient requests additional information, the nurse notifies the physician. The consent formed should not be signed until the patient understands the procedure that has been explained by the surgeon. The provision of a pamphlet will benefit teaching the patient about the surgical procedure, but will not substitute for the information provided by the physician.
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