When a nurse signs as a witness on an informed consent form, she is in

When a nurse signs as a witness on an informed consent form, she is indicating that the client:

1. Fully understands the procedure
2. Agrees with the procedure to be done
3. Has voluntarily signed the consent form
4. Has authorized the physician to continue with the treatment

ANSWER

ANS: 3
The nurse’s signature witnessing the consent means that the client voluntarily gave consent, that the client’s signature is authentic, and that the client appears to be competent to give consent. It is the physician’s responsibility to make sure the client fully understands the procedure. If the nurse suspects the client does not understand, the nurse should notify the physician. The nurse’s signature does not indicate that the client agrees with the procedure, but that the client has vol-untarily given consent and is competent to do so. Clients also have the right to refuse treatment, which is also signed and witnessed. The nurse’s signature does not verify that the client has au-thorized the physician to continue with treatment. It only verifies that the consent was given voluntarily, the client is competent to give consent, and the signature is authentic.