What is a nurse's role in the informed consent process?

Informed consent is a vital process in healthcare, centering on the patient's right to make informed decisions about their medical treatment. The nurse plays an essential role in this process by acting as a liaison between the patient and the healthcare provider. When a patient has questions or concerns regarding their treatment or the consent form, the nurse is responsible for ensuring that these inquiries are communicated to the provider. This helps to facilitate a clear understanding for the patient and empowers them to make informed choices based on complete and accurate information.

The correct choice highlights this crucial function of the nurse in advocating for the patient and ensuring that they fully understand the procedure or treatment they are consenting to. By notifying the provider about the patient's additional questions, the nurse helps to ensure that the patient receives further clarification, which is integral to the informed consent process. This interaction not only supports patient autonomy but also promotes a collaborative approach to healthcare.

Other choices do not appropriately reflect the nurse's role in informed consent. For instance, filling out the consent form on behalf of the patient undermines the patient's autonomy and understanding. Handling all family inquiries exclusively could lead to miscommunication and may not directly address the patient’s needs. Completing necessary forms independently without involving the patient negates the essence of informed consent