Informed Consent for NCLEX

Informed consent- is a permit for an operation.

It is part of the nurse's role as client advocate to confirm that the client understands the information that they are given.

Question: Who obtains the consent?
Answer: The surgeon or doctor performing the procedure.

Question: What procedures do I need an informed consent for?

Answer:  1. Every operation no matter how minor
                2. Diagnostic procedures- MRI, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, CT

                3. Anesthesia 

Question: When is the informed consent not necessary?

Answer:   In emergency situations where there is an immediate threat to life

                 Basic nursing care such as NG, IVs, Foley catheters.

Question: What make up the parts of an informed consent?

Answer:

• The treatment or procedure to be performed
• The person who will perform the treatment or procedure
• The purpose of the proposed treatment or procedure
• The expected outcomes of the proposed treatment or procedure
• The benefits of the proposed treatment or procedure
• The possible risks associated with the proposed treatment or procedure
• The alternatives to the particular treatment or procedure
• The benefits and risks associated with alternatives to the proposed treatment or procedure
• The client's right to refuse a proposed treatment or procedure
• Signature lines for the patient, doctor, and witness

Question: Who signs the consent for a minor (under 18)?

Answer: Adult or legal guardian. If parents are not there they can give over the phone with 2 witnesses to document.

                These are the minors who are able to sign a consent form.

                1. Married individuals

                2. In military services

                3. Pregnant females

                4. Anyone female who has given birth

Question: Who signs the witness portion of the consent form?
Answer: Informed consent may be signed by the nurse, another physician or authorized person.

NCLEX tips:

Consent document should be in client's native language
Opt-out consent is also known as giving consent by not declining to give consent.
The nurse witness should specify whether it is a witness of client understanding explanation or signature of client.