The nurse is about to obtain consent from a patient who is scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure the next morning. What does the nurse's signature as a witness on the informed consent form indicate?
a. The patient fully understands the procedure.
b. The patient agrees with the choice of the procedure to be performed.
c. The patient has voluntarily signed the form.
d. The patient has authorized the physician to continue with the treatment.
C
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A It is the physician's responsibility to make sure that the patient fully understands the procedure. If the nurse suspects lack of understanding in the patient, the nurse should notify the physician.
B The nurse's signature does not indicate that the patient agrees with the choice of the procedure to be performed but that the patient has voluntarily given consent and is mentally competent to do so. Patients have the right to refuse treatment, which also is signed and witnessed.
C A nurse's signature witnessing the consent means that the patient voluntarily gave consent, that the patient's signature is authentic, and that the patient appears to be mentally competent to give consent.
D The nurse's signature does not verify that the patient has authorized the physician to continue with treatment. It verifies only that the consent was given voluntarily, that the patient is mentally competent to give consent, and that the signature is authentic.
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