Question

The medical staff at Regency health is nationally revowned for its skill in performing cardac procedures. The nursing staff in the cardiac unit has noticed a signifcant lack of informed consents prior to performance procedures. Obtaining informed consent is the responsiblity of the:

a. Nursing staff
b. Admissions departments
c. Physician responsible for procedures
d. HIM department

Answer 1

Obtaining informed consent for cardiac procedures is primarily the responsibility of the physician who will be performing the procedure. Although other healthcare professionals assist in the process, informed consent must be directly obtained by the physician to meet ethical and legal requirements.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing the responsibility of obtaining informed consent prior to cardiac procedures, it is generally the role of the physician responsible for the procedure. The process of informed consent involves informing the patient about what to expect, any possible risks, benefits, and the implications of the procedure. This ensures that the patient is fully aware and can voluntarily agree to proceed. Additionally, the informed consent guarantees confidentiality and allows patients to withdraw at any time without penalty.

While nurses and other medical staff play a role in the informed consent process by reviewing care and recovery concerns, ultimately, the primary responsibility lies with the physician. The physicians are responsible for discussing the critical steps, anticipated outcomes, risks, and obtaining the patient's consent to ensure ethical and legal standards are met. On the other hand, the nursing staff, admissions department, and HIM department have auxiliary roles that support the process but do not replace the physician's fundamental duty to obtain informed consent.