After premedication with an opioid analgesic, what should the nurse do regarding informed consent?

• A. Sign the consent after medication
• B. Complete the consent before premedication
• C. Notify the surgeon that the consent form has not been signed
• D. Administer analgesic before obtaining consent

Answer: (C)

Informed consent must be given by a patient who has the capacity to understand the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives. An opioid analgesic can impair cognition and decision-making, so consent obtained after the medication is not considered valid. Therefore, the nurse should notify the surgeon that the consent form has not been signed and that the procedure cannot proceed until proper consent is obtained when the patient is able to understand. The nurse should document the situation and hold further steps until valid consent is obtained, preferably after the patient regains capacity.