Final answer:
Informed consent for a surgical procedure is typically obtained by the surgeon or a supervising NP or PA; it is not usually the responsibility of a pre-op/prep nurse or anesthesia resident unless specified by institutional protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Obtaining informed consent for a surgical procedure is a critical process that involves explaining the details of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and ensuring that the patient understands and agrees to proceed. Legally and ethically, informed consent must be obtained by a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable about the procedure and capable of answering the patient's questions. Typically, this responsibility falls to the surgeon performing the procedure, but it can also be delegated to other members of the healthcare team, such as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) who is working under the supervision of the surgeon. It is not generally within the scope of practice for a pre-op/prep nurse or an anesthesia resident to obtain informed consent unless they have been specifically trained and authorized to do so in the context of their institutional protocols. It is important to note that, while the pre-op nurse and the anesthesia resident play crucial roles in verifying the patient's identity, surgical site, and procedure, as well as discussing key concerns for the patient's recovery and care, the responsibility for obtaining informed consent lies with those who have a comprehensive understanding of the surgical intervention itself.