30. An alert and oriented patient verbalizes complete understanding and agrees to hospice admission. The patient is exhausted and weak, asking that their spouse signs the admission documents. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate response by the nurse?
Answer: B
It is important that you sign for yourself.
The most appropriate response by the nurse is to emphasize the importance of the patient signing the admission documents themselves, as this ensures that the patient is fully consenting to hospice admission despite their exhaustion.
A) A verbal consent is all we need.
This option is incorrect because verbal consent may not be sufficient for hospice admission. The legal requirements typically necessitate a written signature from the patient to confirm their understanding and agreement to the process.
B) It is important that you sign for yourself.
This option is correct as it emphasizes the necessity for the patient to provide their own written consent. Ensuring that the patient signs acknowledges their autonomy and capacity to make decisions regarding their care, which is essential in medical practice.
C) I will come back tomorrow for you to sign the documents.
This choice is inappropriate as it delays the admission process unnecessarily. The patient has already expressed understanding and agreement, and postponing the signing could prevent timely access to needed hospice services.
D) I know you are tired. I will let your spouse sign.
This response is incorrect because it undermines the patient's autonomy. Allowing the spouse to sign instead of the patient could lead to issues regarding informed consent, as the patient is in a position to agree to hospice care themselves.
Conclusion
The emphasis on the patient signing for themselves is crucial, as it upholds their autonomy and ensures that the consent is informed and valid. All other options fail to respect the patient's right to make their own decisions, which is paramount in healthcare settings. Thus, option B is the only response that aligns with ethical and legal standards of patient consent.