6. Teaching & Informed Consent

how should pre-op teaching be timed to be most effective?

teach when it is most convenient for the patient (when possible)

how should cultural and spiritual needs/values be included in pre-op care?

• incorporate them into the plan of care

• communicate needs to the team/appropriate personnel as needed

what should RN pre-op teaching include?

• pre-op/physical prep and the rationale

• pre-op routines

• expected sensations (how they might feel)

• physical activities

• pain management

• emotional support

examples of physical activities to teach patients about preop

coughing/deep breathing, splinting, incentive spirometer, leg exercises, turning, ambulation, OOB

what should RN pre-op teaching NOT include?

explanation of the surgery itself or anesthesia

who is allowed to give a complete explanation of a surgery/anethesia?

surgeon/anesthesiologist

• NEVER the nurse

what is informed consent?

voluntary permission from the patient to perform a specific test or procedure

how should informed consent be completed?

written and signed by the patient or the person legally responsible

what patient factors are required for valid informed consent?

patient is of legal age and mentally capable

what must informed consent include about the procedure?

• why the patient needs the procedure

• what the procedure is

• risks, benefits, and alternatives

• name(s) of the person(s) performing the procedure

who is responsible for obtaining informed consent?

the person who will perform the procedure (surgeon, anesthesiologist)

what is the nurse’s role with informed consent?

• witness the signature

• verify the signed consent is on the chart

what should the nurse verify before the patient signs consent?

patient has not received psychoactive premedication before signing

what should the nurse do if the patient has questions or unclear understanding?

notify the surgeon/anesthesiologist to clarify

• dont answer anything yourself