Final answer:
Regardless of consent, nurses must always explain to the client the treatment or procedure they are performing, upholding the principle of autonomy and facilitating informed consent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regardless of whether consent has been obtained by the nurse, nurses should always explain to the client the treatment or procedure they are performing. This practice upholds the principle of autonomy, ensuring that patients maintain their right to make informed decisions about their own health care. By explaining the procedure, nurses facilitate informed consent, where the individual is provided with all relevant information to make knowledgeable decisions about their care.
Furthermore, during medical procedures such as before the induction of anesthesia or skin incision, it is a standard protocol for the medical team, including nurses, to orally confirm important details about the procedure ensuring patient safety and maintaining open communication channels. This includes confirming the name of the procedure, counting necessary items like needles and sponges, and labeling specimens correctly. Protecting patient privacy, preserving confidentiality, and ensuring that all risks and benefits have been clearly outlined forms part of this ethical and professional duty. Consequently, this contributes to protecting subjects from personal harm and respecting their rights to privacy and dignity.