What is the nurse's responsibility concerning informed consent?

The nurse's responsibility concerning informed consent primarily involves verifying that the consent form has been appropriately signed by the patient. This ensures that the patient has received comprehensive information about the procedure and has agreed to it, which is a critical aspect of ethical and legal practice in healthcare.

While it is essential for healthcare providers, including nurses, to ensure that patients understand their surgical options and the associated risks, the detailed explanation of these options and risks usually falls under the responsibilities of the physician or surgeon. The nurse, therefore, acts as a facilitator in ensuring that the patient has had the opportunity to ask questions and that the consent process is completed properly.

By verifying the signatures on the consent form, the nurse confirms that the patient has given informed consent voluntarily and with an understanding of what the procedure entails, thereby upholding the standards of patient autonomy and legal requirements in healthcare.