What are the perioperative nurse's responsibilities for the informed consent process?

The role of the perioperative nurse in the informed consent process is vital for ensuring that the patient is adequately informed and comfortable with their decision to proceed with surgery. Acting as a witness to the patient’s signature is a key responsibility because it verifies that the patient has voluntarily agreed to the procedure after understanding the information provided. Furthermore, addressing the patient's questions is also crucial, as it ensures that the patient feels supported and informed about their care. This interaction helps promote patient safety and autonomy, confirming that the patient is actively engaged in their healthcare decisions.

Informed consent is a process rather than just a formality. It requires clear communication regarding the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, which is why the nurse's role in witnessing and facilitating understanding is so important. They are instrumental in enhancing the patient's understanding, while the ultimate responsibility for providing detailed explanations generally lies with the surgeon or the physician who performs the procedure. Thus, the perioperative nurse's responsibilities center more on facilitating and verifying the informed consent process rather than being the primary educator or making judgments about the patient's comprehension of the details.