The nurse witnessed a signed informed consent for an inguinal hernia repair surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon discovers a secondary ventral hernia that also requires repair. Which action should the nurse perform?

Question

The nurse witnessed a signed informed consent for an inguinal hernia repair surgery.  During the procedure, the surgeon discovers a secondary ventral hernia that also requires repair.  Which action should the nurse perform?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Informed consent is required before any nonemergency procedure. The 3 principles of informed consent include: The surgeon explains the diagnosis, planned procedure with risks and benefits, expected outcome, alternate treatments, and prognosis without surgery. The client indicates understanding of the information. The client is competent and gives voluntary consent. The nurse is responsible for witnessing the client's signature and ensuring that the client is competent and understands information provided by the surgeon. Clients unconscious or under the influence of mind-altering drugs (eg, opioids) cannot provide consent. If the sedated client requires procedures not listed on the consent form, the client's medical power of attorney, legal guardian, or next of kin should be contacted so that the surgeon can explain the situation and obtain consent (Option B). (Option A) Modifying a consent form after it has been signed is an illegal falsification of documentation. (Option C) Unless family members deny consent or cannot be reached, it is in the client's best interest to have the hernia repaired now rather than go through the physical and financial strain of a second surgery. (Option D) Procedures can be performed without prior consent only when lifesaving measures are necessary. Obtaining consent after a procedure is illegal and considered assault and battery. Educational objective: Informed consent is required before any nonemergency procedure. If the need for an additional procedure is discovered during surgery, the client's medical power of attorney, legal guardian, or next of kin should be contacted to provide consent.

The Nurse Witnessed a Signed Informed Consent for an Inguinal