5 Informed Consent and Client Decisions Free Online FlashCards

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is a client’s voluntary authorization of a specific health care intervention after receiving and understanding relevant information. A signed form alone does not establish informed consent.

What information should the clinician explain before a client decides?

The responsible clinician explains the known diagnosis, the intervention’s purpose and process, expected benefits, significant risks and burdens, and reasonable alternatives—including declining or postponing treatment and likely consequences.

What choices does a client retain during the consent process?

The client may ask questions, refuse the proposed intervention, or withdraw consent.

How is decision-making capacity specific?

Capacity is the ability to make a particular health care decision at a particular time. It can vary across decisions and change with a client’s circumstances.

What abilities are considered when assessing capacity for a decision?

The client should be able to understand relevant information, appreciate how it applies to their situation, compare options in light of their values, and communicate a choice.

What does not by itself establish that a client lacks capacity?

A diagnosis, disability, or disagreement with recommended treatment does not by itself establish incapacity.

What should a nurse do if a client seems confused about a decision?

The nurse should report the concern and request reassessment by the responsible qualified clinician, rather than independently treating the client as incapable.

Who may make a decision for a client who lacks capacity?

The care team should identify the person authorized under applicable law and policy. A relative does not automatically have authority; rules vary by jurisdiction.

What is substituted judgment?

The surrogate uses the client’s known wishes, values, and prior statements to make the decision the client would have made.

When should a surrogate use the best-interests standard?

When the client’s wishes cannot reasonably be determined, the surrogate chooses the option that best promotes the client’s well-being, considering likely benefits, harms, burdens, and values.

Who leads the informed-consent discussion?

The clinician responsible for recommending or providing the intervention leads the informed-consent discussion. The nurse supports the process but does not replace that discussion by obtaining a signature.

How can a nurse support a client’s understanding?

The nurse helps the client access information in an understandable language and format, arranging qualified interpretation or communication assistance when needed, and reinforces teaching within the nurse’s role.