American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a requirement of informed consent?

1. The patient is declared competent to consent

2. The patient understands reasonable alternatives

3. The patient understands the nature and purpose of the procedure

4. The patient has knowledge of the diagnosis

The correct answer is: The patient is declared competent to consent

Informed consent is a fundamental process in healthcare that ensures patients are fully aware of and agree to the procedures they undergo. One critical aspect of informed consent is that the patient must possess the capability to make an informed decision, which is referred to as competency. The correct response notes that being declared competent to consent is not a standalone requirement but rather a consideration that must be made prior to the consent process. Informed consent requires that the patient understands the nature and purpose of the procedure, as well as the risks and benefits associated with it. Additionally, the patient must be aware of reasonable alternatives for treatment and have knowledge of their diagnosis to make an informed choice about their care. These elements help ensure that patients are not only agreeing to the procedure but are doing so with an appropriate understanding of their situation. While competency is an essential factor, it is assumed if the healthcare team facilitates informed consent correctly. Therefore, while a patient must be competent to provide informed consent, the process surrounding informed consent itself does not explicitly list this as a requirement, making this the correct answer in the context of what constitutes informed consent.