Nursing Jurisprudence and Ethics for Texas Nurses Practice Exam

What is the requirement for a nurse's signature when providing informed consent?

1. The nurse must sign as a witness to the patient's signature

2. The nurse must explain the procedure again

3. The nurse must submit the consent form to a supervisor

4. The nurse does not need to sign anything

The correct answer is: The nurse must sign as a witness to the patient's signature

Informed consent is a critical aspect of patient care and legal compliance in nursing practice. When a nurse serves as a witness to a patient's signature, it confirms that the patient has voluntarily signed the consent form and that the nurse has observed this process. The nurse's role is to ensure the patient understands the procedure being consented to and has had the opportunity to ask questions, but the act of witnessing the signature is specifically what establishes the legality of the consent process. Witnessing the patient’s signature does not imply that the nurse is endorsing the procedure or taking responsibility for its outcomes; rather, it serves as an assurance that the patient was competent to make the decision at the time of signing. This requirement aligns with the legal and ethical standards in nursing practice, ensuring that patients are protected and their rights respected. Other options, such as explaining the procedure again or submitting the consent form to a supervisor, are not necessary requirements for the nurse’s role in the informed consent process. The witness signature serves to document the consent process appropriately without imposing additional steps that could complicate or delay patient care.