Prophecy Health Medical Surgical RN A Practice Test

Informed consent is a vital process that ensures a patient is fully aware of and understands the details of a surgical procedure before undergoing it. The nurse plays a crucial role in this process by facilitating communication between the patient and the healthcare team. This involves ensuring that the patient comprehends the nature of the surgical procedure, including its purpose, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.

The nurse's responsibility includes addressing any questions or concerns the patient may have, thus helping to clarify information and verify that the patient has received adequate information to make an informed decision. Only after ensuring that the patient has a clear understanding and is comfortable with the information presented does the nurse assist in obtaining the patient’s signature on the consent form. This process underscores the importance of patient autonomy and informed decision-making within the healthcare setting.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the nurse's responsibilities related to informed consent. Assisting in the surgical procedure, managing anesthesia, or completing a medical history form falls outside the scope of duties specifically tied to the informed consent process. Therefore, the role focused on ensuring patient understanding and obtaining the informed consent signature is accurately represented in the correct choice.