After the physician explains the risks and benefits of a surgery, the patient signs the consent form. A few hours later, the patient asks the nurse about the risks and asks if there is an alternative to the surgery. Which of the following is the best response?

Explanation

•In order to obtain informed consent, the patient must understand all the risks and benefits of the procedure as well as alternatives to the procedure.

•In this scenario, the patient does not fully understand the risks (as evidenced by questions about the risks and an alternative to surgery). Therefore, the physician needs to be notified so they may re-explain the risks in order to obtain informed consent. A nurse may not obtain it.

•A nurse may not obtain informed consent on behalf of the physician.

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