A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about informed consent.
Which of the following should be included as a responsibility of the nurse in this process?

This is a responsibility of the nurse in the process of informed consent, which is the patient’s choice to have a treatment or procedure based on their full understanding of its benefits, risks, and alternatives. The nurse should provide written materials in the client’s spoken language, when possible, and verify that the client comprehends and consents to the care and procedures.

Choice A is wrong because confirming that the client is competent to sign for the procedure is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only obtain consent when initiating care or reviewing consent before providing care ordered by another health professional.

Choice B is wrong because discussing the risks of the procedure with the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.

Choice D is wrong because explaining alternatives to the procedure to the client is not a responsibility of the nurse, but of the health professional who directs the care. The nurse can only inform the client about what will occur during the procedure and answer any questions they may have.

Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm or preventing harm to a client. It is based on the Hippocratic oath of “primum non nocere” or “first, do no harm”. It means that the nurse should act in the best interest of the client and avoid any actions that could cause injury or suffering.

Choice B. Fidelity is the ethical principle of being faithful and loyal to a client.

It means that the nurse should keep promises, respect confidentiality, and maintain trust.

Choice C. Justice is the ethical principle of treating clients fairly and equally.

It means that the nurse should distribute resources and services based on the client’s needs and not on personal biases.

Choice D. Autonomy is the ethical principle of respecting a client’s right to make their own decisions.

It means that the nurse should inform the client of their options and support their choices, as long as they do not harm others.