Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What does the nurse confirm when witnessing the signature of informed consent?

1. The client understood the procedure fully.

2. The client voluntarily signed the form.

3. The nurse explained the procedure to the client.

4. The client was not under any medication influence.

The correct answer is: The client voluntarily signed the form.

When witnessing the signature of informed consent, the nurse confirms that the client voluntarily signed the form. This means that the client has made a conscious decision to consent to the procedure without any coercion or undue pressure. The act of witnessing does not entail the nurse verifying the client's full understanding of the procedure, as that responsibility primarily lies with the healthcare provider who explains the procedure. While the nurse must ensure that the client is competent and capable of making decisions, the legal and ethical emphasis in this context is on the client's autonomy and freedom to choose to proceed with the treatment. Additionally, the nurse cannot ensure that the client is free from any medication influence merely by witnessing the signature; this assessment would require a more comprehensive evaluation. Therefore, the core responsibility when witnessing is to validate that the consent was given voluntarily.