Question

A patient is to receive an experimental treatment. The physician has been in to explain the procedure, and the patient has signed the consent form. In doing an assessment before the procedure, the patient states, “I really didn’t understand what the doctor told me, except he said I should get better. I hope I do get better.” Discuss what your responsibility as an RN is at this point. Ensure to include what questions would you ask the patient and what questions would you ask your supervisor or manager if the patient had significant unease about the impending procedure?  

Answer 1

For any diagnostic procedure or surgery the patient has to undergo ,it is important that the consent is obtained by the patient.

The consent form should be checked by the Registered Nurse.

The procedure should be well explained by the Physician by clarifying the doubts.And as a witness to it the patient or the attenders or registered Nurse signs in the form as witness.

Here in this case the patient complains that he has not understood anything what the doctor has explained but he is hoping to have good result.It is important that patient understands the procedure well before the procedure.

In this case it is the duty of the Registered Nurse to clarify all the details to the patient.

Questions of Registered Nurse to the Manager or Supervisor:

1. When was the consent obtained?
2. Was it explained at the understanding language of the patient?
3. Did the doctor use simple terms to explain the treatment procedure?
4. Did the patient clarify any kinds of doubts?
5. How was the patients reaction during explanation?
6. Was the patient anxious that he could not understand the procedure?
7. Was patient oriented when doctor was explaining the treatment procedure?

Questions of Registered Nurse to The patient:

1. Did you follow what Doctor explained to you?
2. Where you able to understand the language of the doctor?
3. Where you too tensed or worried about the procedure while doctor was explaining?
4. Do you have any doubts about the procedure?
5. Do you require clarifications in relation to the procedure?
6. Did you understand the prognosis,complications of the treatment procedure?
7. Are you ready for the treatment procedure?
8. Have you understood now?