A 46-year-old patient will undergo a bone marrow transplant and an informed consent form has been signed. The nurse is about to administer a sedative before the procedure when the patient says, "How many bones will be taken out?" What should the nurse do next?
Explanation
• Informed consent is a patient's permission for a procedure that is provided after information regarding the procedure, risks, and alternatives is provided by the person who will complete the procedure. The patient should have full knowledge of the possible risks and benefits prior to consenting.
• The patient does not understand the procedure; therefore, informed consent was not obtained. The nurse should withhold the sedative and notify the physician so the physician can explain the procedure to the patient.
• Laughing at the patient's comment is inappropriate.
• Administering the sedative before informed consent is obtained is illegal.