A patient is admitted to your surgical center for a breast biopsy under local an

Question

A patient is admitted to your surgical center for a breast biopsy under local anesthesia. The surgeon has previously informed the patient of the procedure, risks, alternatives, desired outcomes, and possible complications. You give the surgery permit form to the patient for her signature. She readily states that she knows about the procedure and has no additional questions; she signs the form with no hesitation. Her husband, who is visiting with her, says he is worried that something may be said during the procedure to alarm his wife. What do you do at this point? Do you alert the surgeon that informed consent has not been obtained? Do you request that the surgeon revisit the patient and reinstruct her about the surgery? Since the patient has already signed the form, is there anything more you should do?

Now consider the ethical issues that such a scenario raises. Which ethical principles is the husband in this example most portraying? Which ethical principles should guide the nurse in working with this patient and family member?

Explanation / Answer

In informed consent, the doctor explains risks, possibilities, benefits and all the necessary information to understand the nature of the procedure. Rest it is up to the patient to understand and analyse, and later reach to a decision.

Since the patient signs the consent form without any hesitation, the nurse can request the surgeon regarding the situation. If required the doctor can revisit the patient and reinstruct regarding the procedure planned.

Which ethical principles is the husband in this example most portraying?

The principle of autonomy, Confidentiality and truthfulness

As here as a family member, her husband tries to alarm her with his understanding of the procedure and the situation. It may be the worry of exposing during the procedure and may have worried about the privacy and confidentiality. Everybody has the freedom to choose her decision as well as to provide and withdraw consent as per her choice. As a medicals professional we should respect her decision and freedom. This is the principle of Autonomy.

Which ethical principles should guide the nurse in working with this patient and family member?

As a nurse, our responsibility is to protect and inform the patient right. The principle of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence. Because, in informed consent, we are not directly responsible for obtaining the consent. it is solely between the physician and the patient. As a nurse, our purpose guides to support the autonomy of the patient yet providing with the comprehensive detailing of the procedure keeping in mind with a minimum of risk with maximum benefit and no harm to the patient.

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