Introduction
Informed consent is an essential aspect of ethical nursing practice that emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy, respect for individual rights, and shared decision-making. The process of obtaining informed consent involves a mutual agreement between the healthcare provider and the patient, in which the provider discloses the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, ensures that the patient has the necessary information to make an informed decision, and respects the patient’s right to refuse or accept the treatment. One case scenario where informed consent was not adhered to is that of Mrs. Smith.
Case Background
Mrs. Smith, a 65-year-old patient with a history of heart disease, was admitted to the hospital for a routine angiogram. The cardiologist explained to Mrs. Smith that the angiogram involved inserting a catheter into her artery to assess blood flow to her heart. The physician did not disclose the potential risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, or heart attack. Mrs. Smith signed the consent form, assuming the procedure was safe and routine. However, during the angiogram, Mrs. Smith experienced severe chest pain, and the catheter caused a blood clot, resulting in a heart attack.
Case Analysis
This case scenario illustrates a breach of informed consent principles. The physician needed to sufficiently advise the patient about the procedure’s possible dangers and benefits, thus limiting her ability to make an informed decision (Wagner, 2020). As a result, Mrs. Smith suffered adverse effects, including a heart attack, which could have been prevented if the physician had adhered to informed consent principles.
When some elements of informed consent are not adhered to, patients may experience adverse consequences, including physical harm, emotional distress, and potential legal action (FDA, 2019). Therefore, healthcare professionals must obtain informed consent before administering any treatment or procedure, disclose potential dangers and advantages, and ensure that patients have the right to make informed decisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adherence to informed consent principles is essential for ethical nursing practice. To maintain patient autonomy, healthcare professionals should ensure that patients receive adequate information about the potential risks and benefits of any procedure that they are considering and obtain informed consent before administering any type of treatment or procedure. Failure to adhere to informed consent principles can result in legal, ethical, and moral implications for healthcare professionals.
Reference
Wagner, R. A. (2020). What is Informed Consent in Healthcare? 4 Principles, Important & Laws. eMedicineHealth. Web.
FDA. (2019). A Guide to Informed Consent. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Web.