Informed consent
A legal process by which a client provides written permission for a procedure or treatment to be performed. Consent is considered to be informed when the client has been provided with and understands the treatment/procedure
What the client should understand/be explained
Reason the treatment or procedure is needed
How the treatment or procedure will benefit the client
Risks involved if the client chooses to receive the treatment or procedure
Other options to treat the problem, including the option of not treating the problem
Risk involved if the client chooses no treatment
The nurse's role in the informed consent process
Witness the client's signature on the informed consent form and ensure that informed consent has been appropriately obtained
Seek language assistance services if the client does not speak and understand the language used by the provider
Informed consent Guidelines
Consent is required for all care provided in a health car facility
The client provides implied consent when they comply with the instruction provided by the nurse
Kind of procedure that consent is needed
For invasive procedure or surgery (provided written consent)
Who else can give informed consent
State laws regulate who can give informed consent. Laws vary regarding age limitations and emergencies.
The nurse must verify that consent is informed and witness the client sign the consent form
Signing an informed consent
Must be signed by a competent adult
Emancipated minors (minors who are independent from their parents (a married minor)can provided informed consent for themselves)
Must be able to understand and able to fully communicate in return with the health care professional
Individuals authorized to grant consent for another person
Parent of a minor
Legal guardian
Court-specified representative
Client's health care surrogate(individual who has the client's durable power of attorney for healthcare/heath care proxy
Spouse or closet available relative (state laws vary)
What the provider should inform the client
Complete description of the treatment/procedure
Description of the professionals who will be performing and participating in the treatment
Description of the potential harm, pain, and/or discomfort the might occur
Options for other treatment and the possible consequences of taking other actions
The right to refuse treatment
Risk involved if the client chooses no treatment
To give informed consent, the client must do the following
Give it voluntarily
Be competent and of legal age, or be an emancipated minor. (If the client is unable to provide consent, an authorized person must give consent)
Receive sufficient information to decide based on an informed understanding of what is expected
What the nurse should
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