Final answer:
The nurse's legal responsibility regarding written consent for surgery includes witnessing the signing, ensuring patients understand the procedure, and verifying that the consent is informed and voluntary. Surgeons are primarily in charge of explaining the surgery details.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to surgery, obtaining written consent is a critical legal and ethical requirement in healthcare. The nurse's legal responsibility in this process includes witnessing the patient or legal guardian's signature on the consent form, ensuring that the patient has received all the necessary information regarding the surgery, and verifying that they understand this information. Nurses must confirm that informed consent has been given freely and without coercion. It's also important for nurses to answer any questions the patient may have regarding the procedure and the consent form. However, it is primarily the surgeon's responsibility to explain the surgical procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient, ensuring that the patient has a complete understanding before signing the consent form.