Question

A patient is admitted to your surgical center for a breast biopsy under local anesthesia. The surgeon has previously informed the patient of the procedure, risks, alternatives, desired outcomes, and possible complications. You give the surgery permit form to the patient for her signature. She readily states that she knows about the procedure and has no additional questions; she signs the form with no hesitation. Her husband, who is visiting with her, says he is worried that something may be said during the procedure to alarm his wife.

What do you and should you alert the surgeon that informed consent wasn't obtained?

Would you ask the surgeon to come in and meet with the patient?

Is there anything more as a nurse that you should do after the consent is signed?

Which ethical principles is the husband exercising and what ethically should the nurse do for the family?

Answer 1

No. The patient has already given the consent form with her own decision. The consent form should also contain the risks, benefits, and complications of the procedures. After clear with all explanations only, the patient has signed the consent form.

It is the duty of the surgeon to meet with the patient and the family members to explain the procedure, purposes, and outcomes before taking a final decision. Effective communication before the procedure is necessary for the positive outcomes of the patient. It increases patient satisfaction and minimizes legal issues.

Obtaining consent is the duty of surgeon. So the nurse is responsible for providing preoperative and postoperative teaching to the client. She can act as a liaison between the surgeon, patient, and physician.

In the point of her husband, the patient has the right to obtain relevant information regarding any treatment or procedures that she deals with. It is the ethical duty of health professionals to give enough information to the patient and to clear all the doubts. The nurse must advocate for patient autonomy and rights. The patient has to analyze thoroughly before taking a final decision. The nurse can only support the family emotionally.