Question

A student nurse approaches the instructor and states, "The staff nurse told me to witness this surgical consent after the surgeon signs it." What is the best response by the instructor?

A. "Students are not to serve as a witness to legal papers. Let's explain this to the staff nurse so they may have it witnessed."
B. " You will need another student to go with you and co-sign the consent"
C. "That is fine. Do you want me to come with you?"
D." This type of consent doesn't need to be witnessed."

Answer 1

Option (A), The instructor should inform the student nurse that students are not allowed to witness legal documents like consent forms and should clarify this with the staff nurse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the instructor to a student nurse being asked to witness a surgical consent form after the surgeon signs it would be option A: "Students are not to serve as a witness to legal papers. Let's explain this to the staff nurse so they may have it witnessed." This policy is in place because witnessing a consent form is a legal responsibility that requires an understanding of the consent process and the capability to testify that the person signing the consent did so voluntarily and was competent to do so. A student nurse typically does not yet have the legal authority or the professional capacity to undertake this responsibility.