Final answer:
The nurse should ask the client if they have any questions to ensure the client understands the procedure. This direct interaction is pivotal in confirming the client's comprehension and maintaining ethical standards of informed consent.
Step-by-step explanation:
To validate that the client understands the procedure, the nurse should ask the client if they have any questions about the procedure. While verifying the signature on the consent form is important, it does not guarantee understanding. Ensuring that healthcare providers explain the risks and benefits is vital, but direct communication with the client is essential to confirm comprehension. Familiarity of the procedure by family members does not equate to the client's personal understanding.
It is imperative that the nurse not only relies on the consent form but actively engages with the client to ascertain understanding. The nurse might ask the client to describe the procedure in their own words, discuss potential risks, and reiterate that participation is voluntary. These conversations provide the client the opportunity to express concerns and allow the nurse to clarify any misinformation. Such an individualized conversation reaffirms the client's informed consent and promotes ethical standards in healthcare.