A female client is scheduled for a hysterectomy. When discussing the preoperative preparation, the nurse identifies that the client has no understanding of the surgery. The nurse should:

a) Describe the proposed surgery to the client

b) Proceed with implementing the preoperative plan

c) Notify the physician that the client needs information

d) Explain to the client gently that she should have asked more questions

Answer and Rationales

c) Legally, the person performing the surgery is responsible to inform the client adequately; the nurse may clarify information, witness the client's signature and cosign the consent form.

a) beyond the scope of nursing practice

b) nurse could face criminal charges of assault and battery because of lack of informed consent

d) blames the client.  Responsibility of the physician to impart the information and the nurse's role to clarify information and witness the client's written informed consent.