Question

The surgical nurse is preparing to send a client from the presurgical area to the OR and is reviewing the client's informed consent form. What are the criteria for legally valid informed consent?

Answer 1

Legally valid informed consent requires a patient's verified identity, procedure, and consent, with detailed risks and benefits outlined. The patient's autonomy and rights must be ensured, and all elements of consent should be clearly communicated among the surgical team.

Step-by-step explanation:

Criteria for Legally Valid Informed Consent

The criteria for a legally valid informed consent include several important elements:

1. The patient must verify their identity, the surgical site and procedure, and give their consent. If applicable, the surgical site should be properly marked.
2. Informed consent should outline all risks, benefits, and relevant details of the surgery or treatment.
3. The institution's IRB may require an informed consent form for experiments, which ensures participants are fully informed, consent is voluntary, confidentiality is maintained, and legal guardians consent for minors.
4. Before the induction of anesthesia, there is usually a 'sign-in' procedure where the team confirms the patient's identity, procedure, and surgical site, and reviews any critical aspects of the upcoming surgery, including expected blood loss and operatively duration.
5. Critical to this process is the principle of autonomy, ensuring the patient's right to make knowledgeable decisions about their own healthcare.

Finally, it is imperative that all members of the surgical team communicate effectively, including the surgical nurse, surgeon, and anesthesia professional. This involves a review of the patient's allergies, airway and aspiration risks, equipment availability, and each team member's role within the procedure.