Who has the responsibility to obtain informed consent?

• A. The nurse
• B. The patient
• C. The person performing the procedure
• D. The hospital administrator

Answer: (C)

Understanding informed consent hinges on the responsibility of the clinician who will perform the procedure. That clinician must obtain a voluntary, informed consent by thoroughly explaining what will be done, the potential risks and benefits, and available alternatives, and by answering the patient’s questions. The patient then decides whether to proceed, with capacity and voluntariness verified, and the consent is documented. The nurse’s role is to facilitate understanding, check for comprehension, answer questions, and witness the signature, but not to obtain the consent themselves. The hospital administrator does not obtain consent. In cases of limited capacity or emergencies, different processes apply, often involving a legally authorized representative or implied consent when immediate care is needed.