Which option is a major element of informed consent? 1. The physician

QUESTION

Which option is a major element of informed consent?

1. The physician, the nurse, and the client must agree on the treatment or procedure.
2. The consent must be given by family members as well as the client.
3. The client only needs to know the purpose of the treatment or procedure.
4. The consent must be given voluntarily.

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 4

There are three major elements of informed consent: 1. the consent must be given voluntarily; 2. the consent must be given by an individual with the capacity and competence to understand; and 3. the client must be given enough information to be the ultimate decision maker. There is no requirement that the physician, nurse, and client agree on treatment, just that the client consents to the treatment. The consent can be given by the client alone, and family does not need to be consulted or to give consent. The client must know the purpose of the treatment or procedure, its potential benefits, its potential risks, and any alternative treatments that exist.