AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for obtaining surgical informed consent?

1. Nurse

2. Patient

3. Surgeon

4. Anesthesiologist

The correct answer is: Surgeon

Informed consent is a vital process that ensures that patients understand the nature of the surgical procedure, the risks involved, and alternative treatment options before agreeing to undergo surgery. While various healthcare professionals play crucial roles in the consent process, the primary responsibility for obtaining informed consent lies with the surgeon. The surgeon is the one who has the detailed knowledge of the procedure being performed, including its potential benefits and risks, and is best positioned to provide the patient with comprehensive information. This enables the patient to make an informed decision about their care. Additionally, the surgeon must engage in a dialogue with the patient to address any questions or concerns, ensuring that the patient understands what is being proposed and the implications for their health. Other team members, such as nurses and anesthesiologists, may assist in explaining aspects related to preoperative care or anesthesia risks, but they do not hold the primary responsibility for the overall consent. The patient plays a key role by actively participating in this process, but the legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that informed consent is properly obtained rests with the surgeon.