Informed Consent
A patient's voluntary agreement to a procedure after understanding risks/benefits
Definition
Informed Consent is a patient's voluntary, knowing agreement to undergo a specific medical procedure or treatment after receiving adequate information to make the decision. It is both a legal and ethical requirement.
Elements
- Disclosure of diagnosis, procedure, risks, benefits, alternatives, and consequences of no treatment
- Capacity to understand and decide
- Voluntariness (no coercion)
- Agreement (signature)
Roles
- Provider: Obtains informed consent. Explains procedure and risks.
- Nurse: WITNESS to signature. Verify patient's understanding; if concerns about capacity or comprehension, notify provider BEFORE signing.
Special Considerations
- Emergencies: implied consent
- Minors: parental consent (with adolescent assent)
- Incapacitated: healthcare proxy
- Incompetent: guardian
NCLEX Relevance
Classic trap question: 'The nurse notices the patient doesn't understand the procedure.' ACTION: Notify the provider, the provider, not the nurse, re-explains the procedure.