What is informed consent in nursing?

Informed consent in nursing is a vital ethical and legal process that ensures patients are fully informed about their medical treatment before agreeing to it. The correct choice emphasizes that patients must be given complete and comprehensible information about the procedure, including its risks, benefits, and alternative options, enabling them to make a knowledgeable decision regarding their care. This process also mandates that consent is given voluntarily, without any coercion, ensuring that patients feel empowered in their healthcare decisions.

By enabling patients to understand their treatment options, informed consent fosters trust and collaboration between healthcare providers and patients. This approach is foundational in upholding patient autonomy and ensuring that individuals are active participants in their health care decisions. It is essential for nurses and other healthcare professionals to facilitate and verify that informed consent is achieved before proceeding with any treatment or procedure, thereby protecting the rights and well-being of patients.