You are preparing your patient for surgery. Prior to obtaining your patient's signature on the operative permit, you ask the patient if she understands all aspects of the surgical procedure

Question

The patient replies that she is very nervous and really does not understand what the surgical procedure is or how it will be performed. What is the most appropriate nursing action for you to take?
A) Have the patient sign the operative permit and place it in the chart
B) Call the physician to review the procedure with the patient
C) Explain the procedure to the patient and her family
D) Provide the patient with a pamphlet explaining the procedure

Answer 1

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. Option A is incorrect; before the patient signs the consent form, the surgeon must provide a clear and simple explanation of what the surgery will entail. Option C is incorrect; the consent formed should not be signed until the patient understands the procedure that has been explained by the surgeon. Option D is incorrect; 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.