A client with suspected renal cancer who refuses to sign the informed consent form for a biopsy: what is the correct initial nursing action?

A client with suspected renal cancer who refuses to sign the informed consent form for a biopsy: what is the correct initial nursing action?

• A. Notify a physician that the client refuses to give consent.
• B. Respect the patient's decision and pause all testing.
• C. Attempt to coerce the patient to sign.
• D. Proceed with the biopsy without consent.

Answer: (A)

Respect for patient autonomy and the proper process of informed consent are at play here. If a client with suspected renal cancer refuses the biopsy consent, the nurse’s first action is to notify the physician so the physician can discuss the patient’s concerns, provide the necessary information about risks, benefits, and alternatives, and determine the next steps. The nurse should document the refusal and any information given, and should not coerce or perform the procedure without consent. The physician may assess decision-making capacity and decide whether to address questions, offer alternatives, or respect the patient’s decision.

Respect for patient autonomy and the proper process of informed consent are at play here. If a client with suspected renal cancer refuses the biopsy consent, the nurse’s first action is to notify the physician so the physician can discuss the patient’s concerns, provide the necessary information about risks, benefits, and alternatives, and determine the next steps. The nurse should document the refusal and any information given, and should not coerce or perform the procedure without consent. The physician may assess decision-making capacity and decide whether to address questions, offer alternatives, or respect the patient’s decision.