If a patient desires to know all alternatives before agreeing to a procedure, the nurse should

If a patient desires to know all alternatives before agreeing to a procedure, the nurse should

• A. Provide only the recommended option to avoid overwhelming.
• B. Explain all feasible options including risks and benefits.
• C. Avoid discussing alternatives to reduce anxiety.
• D. Encourage family to choose for the patient.

Answer: (B)

Informed consent and patient autonomy require that the patient receives complete information about all viable options, including risks and benefits, before deciding to proceed. Explaining all feasible options allows the patient to compare what could happen with each choice, align decisions with personal values, and truly authorize the plan of care. This open disclosure supports shared decision making and helps ensure the consent is valid and voluntary. Providing only the recommended option is not consistent with respecting the patient’s right to know and choose. Avoiding discussion of alternatives to reduce anxiety withholds important information, which can compromise consent. Encouraging family to decide for the patient undermines the patient’s autonomy and rights.

Informed consent and patient autonomy require that the patient receives complete information about all viable options, including risks and benefits, before deciding to proceed. Explaining all feasible options allows the patient to compare what could happen with each choice, align decisions with personal values, and truly authorize the plan of care. This open disclosure supports shared decision making and helps ensure the consent is valid and voluntary.

Providing only the recommended option is not consistent with respecting the patient’s right to know and choose. Avoiding discussion of alternatives to reduce anxiety withholds important information, which can compromise consent. Encouraging family to decide for the patient undermines the patient’s autonomy and rights.