What is a nursing responsibility in the informed consent process for a procedure such as a colonoscopy?

In the informed consent process, one of the primary responsibilities of a nurse is to verify that there is a signed and witnessed consent form. This ensures that the patient has formally agreed to undergo the procedure after being provided with all the necessary information regarding its risks, benefits, and alternatives, which typically occurs in discussions between the physician and the patient.

Nurses play a critical role in this process by confirming that the patient has been adequately informed and that consent has been obtained correctly. This verification step is crucial for patient safety and legal compliance, as it protects both the patient's rights and the healthcare facility from potential legal issues related to consent. Recording and maintaining accurate documentation of the signed consent form is also part of the nurse's responsibilities to ensure that all protocols are followed.

While explaining the procedure may seem like a nursing responsibility, this task is primarily the role of the physician who must ensure that the patient fully understands what they are consenting to. Gathering materials for the procedure and assisting the physician in obtaining consent are important duties, but they do not specifically address the legal responsibility surrounding informed consent as effectively as verifying the signed consent form does.