In the nursing role for informed consent in urologic procedures, which action is NOT part of that role?

• A. Verify understanding of procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives
• B. Assess decision-making capacity
• C. Obtain and document voluntary consent
• D. Make the final medical decision on whether to perform the procedure

Answer: (D)

Informed consent is a patient-centered process that ensures understanding of what will happen, the risks and benefits, and available alternatives so the patient can decide voluntarily. The nurse supports this by checking that the patient truly understands the procedure, its purpose, risks, and alternatives; assessing the patient’s decision-making capacity to consent; and obtaining and documenting that the patient has given voluntary agreement, often by witnessing the signature and ensuring no coercion. The step that does not belong to this nursing role is the final medical decision about whether to proceed with the procedure; that decision rests with the physician who explains the medical rationale and determines appropriateness. If the patient lacks capacity, a surrogate decision-maker steps in, and the nurse helps facilitate communication and ensure ethical and legal standards are followed.