Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

What does the term "informed consent" mean in nursing practice?

1. A formal agreement for nurses to provide treatment

2. A process ensuring that patients understand the risks and benefits of a procedure before they agree to it

3. Patient consent that can be given verbally only

4. A requirement that all treatments must be pre-approved by a family member

The correct answer is: A process ensuring that patients understand the risks and benefits of a procedure before they agree to it

Informed consent is a foundational principle in nursing practice and patient care that emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and education. When we refer to informed consent, we are discussing a process in which healthcare providers ensure that patients fully comprehend the nature of a proposed procedure, including the associated risks, benefits, and alternative options. This understanding allows patients to make knowledgeable decisions about their own healthcare. The process of informed consent involves clear and comprehensive communication between the nurse (or other healthcare professional) and the patient. It requires that the information provided is understandable to the patient, enabling them to weigh the potential outcomes of their choices. This ensures that consent is truly informed, not merely a formality or a signature on a document. While a formal agreement for treatment exists, it does not encompass the breadth of informed consent, which is inherently a communicative and participatory process. Consent can indeed be verbal in certain situations, but that does not capture the full scope of informed consent, which ideally includes thorough information and understanding. Additionally, informed consent is not contingent upon family approval, although it may involve discussions with family members when appropriate, but the decision ultimately rests with the patient.