Nurse Practice Act Exam 2025 – Complete Study Guide

Informed consent in nursing refers to a patient's agreement to undergo a specific medical treatment or procedure after being provided with comprehensive information regarding the nature of the treatment, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives. This process ensures that patients have the necessary understanding to make an educated decision about their healthcare.

It emphasizes the ethical and legal duty of healthcare providers to respect patient autonomy—allowing individuals to make choices regarding their own bodies and health. For informed consent to be valid, patients must not only receive information but also comprehend it and voluntarily agree without coercion. This principle is fundamental to ensuring that patients are active participants in their healthcare decisions and are aware of what to expect.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of informed consent. A signed document for insurance purposes alone does not guarantee that the patient is informed; a verbal agreement in front of family lacks the thoroughness required for informed consent; and a general waiver of responsibility undermines the patient's autonomy by absolving healthcare providers from explaining risks and benefits. Thus, the definition captured in the correct answer fully encompasses what informed consent involves in nursing practice.