Which action demonstrates the nurse respects the surgeon's role in informed consent?

• A. Notify the surgeon that the consent is not complete
• B. Provide an explanation of the planned procedure
• C. Administer preoperative antibiotics
• D. Inform the operating room staff to explain the procedure

Answer: (A)

Emphasizing the physician’s responsibility to obtain and disclose information is what shows respect for the surgeon’s role in informed consent. The nurse's job is to verify that the consent is complete, signed, and voluntary, and to escalate if any part is missing or unclear. By notifying the surgeon that the consent is not complete, the nurse ensures that the physician can properly obtain valid consent before proceeding, upholding the patient’s rights and the ethical standards of care. Complete consent means the patient understands what will be done, the associated risks and benefits, alternatives, and has had questions answered, with capacity and voluntariness confirmed and the form witnessed. Explaining the procedure, administering antibiotics, or directing others to explain the procedure bypasses the physician’s responsibility for disclosure and can undermine proper consent.