When speaking with the patient, the nurse discovers that the patient does not have a complete understanding of the surgical procedure. Which of the following courses of action should the nurse take?
a. Obtain the consent, as this is expected with preoperative anxiety.
b. Teach the patient all about the procedure.
c. Ask the unit manager to assist with a teaching plan.
d. Inform the surgeon, so that necessary information can be provided to the patient.
D
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A If the patient does not understand the surgical procedure, the patient would not be giving informed consent. It is the surgeon's responsibility to explain the procedure and obtain the informed consent.
B The nurse can augment the physician's explanations, but it is the physician's responsibility to teach the patient about the procedure. This teaching includes the need for the procedure, the steps involved, and the related risks, expected results, and alternative treatments.
C It is not the unit manager's responsibility to inform the patient about the procedure and obtain consent; this is the responsibility of the surgeon.
D Surgery cannot be legally or ethically performed until the patient understands the need for the procedure, the steps involved, and the related risks, expected results, and alternative treatments.
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