# A preoperative client has unresolved questions about the planned procedure. Complete the nurse's informed-consent response.

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=546625&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Informed Consent  
> category: MOC

## Question

A preoperative client has unresolved questions about the planned procedure. Complete the nurse's informed-consent response.

Because the client has unresolved questions, the nurse should ::선택::pause transport and the preprocedure processcontinue transport while obtaining the signatureask the family to sign for the alert clientgive sedation to reduce anxiety and notify ::선택::the unit secretarythe responsible practitioner performing the procedurethe transporteranother waiting client. Signing should occur only after the client demonstrates ::선택::agreement with the nurse's recommendationmemorization of every rare complicationvoluntary understanding of the proposed care and alternatives before sedationwillingness to sign without further discussion, and the nurse's witness role verifies ::선택::that the procedure has no riskthat the nurse provided the operative explanationthat family members agreethe client's identity and voluntary signing according to policy.

## Explanation

Informed consent is a decision process, not merely a signature. The responsible practitioner must provide the procedure-specific explanation of anticipated benefits, material risks, and alternatives. Because the client states that essential information is not understood, the nurse should pause transport, notify the responsible practitioner, and protect the client's opportunity to decide voluntarily before sedation. When permitted by policy and law, the nurse may witness the client's identity and voluntary signature, but the witness role does not replace the responsible practitioner's explanation.

## In-depth explanation

Correct Answer
Pause the process and have the responsible practitioner answer the client's unresolved questions before voluntary signing and sedation.

Why It Fits
The unsigned form and the client's stated lack of understanding show that the consent process is incomplete.

Clinical Picture
The client is alert and has not received sedation, so there is time to restore an informed, voluntary decision without delaying an emergency.

Memory Link
The practitioner explains; the nurse protects the decision and witnesses the signature.

NCLEX Rule
A properly executed consent form must reflect that the procedure, benefits, material risks, and alternatives were explained before the required procedure occurs.

Why the Alternatives Fail
Transporting first, asking family to decide for a capable client, or having the nurse provide the missing procedure-specific explanation undermines informed choice.

Sources
1CMS Hospital State Operations Manual Appendix A
2CMS 2024 Informed Consent Clarification
3NCSBN 2026 NCLEX-RN Test Plan

## Clinical scenario

Preoperative holding area
The consent form is unsigned. The client says, “I know the name of the operation, but I do not understand why it might be changed to an open procedure or what other choices I have.” Sedation has not been given, and the operating team is preparing to transport the client.

## Key concepts

- **Informed consent** — A voluntary decision made after receiving understandable information about the proposed care, material risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- **Material risk** — A risk significant enough that a reasonable person would consider it when deciding about care.
- **Consent witness** — A person who attests to the identity and signing process as allowed by policy and law, not a substitute for the clinical explanation.

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