Define informed consent in nursing practice.

• A. The nurse's professional obligation to carry out physician orders
• B. A voluntary, educated agreement by a capable patient to undergo a specific medical intervention after being informed of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• C. A form signed after the procedure to confirm completion
• D. An informal agreement between patient and nurse

Answer: (B)

Informed consent in nursing practice means the patient voluntarily agrees to a specific medical intervention after receiving clear information about what the procedure involves, including its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and while showing the capacity to make the decision. The nurse’s role includes ensuring that disclosure has occurred, confirming the patient understands, honoring the patient’s autonomy, and documenting the voluntary agreement before any procedure takes place. This process empowers the patient to make an informed choice that aligns with personal values and preferences. The other descriptions fall short because they depict simply following orders, post-procedure signing, or an informal agreement lacking the required disclosure, understanding, voluntariness, and formal documentation.