Question

A patient is admitted to your surgical center for breast biopsy under local anesthesia. The surgeon has previously informed the patient of their procedure, risks, alternatives, desired outcomes, and possible complications. You give the surgery permit form to the patient for her signature. She readily states that she knows about the procedure and has no additional questions; she signs the form with no hesitation. Her husband, who is visiting with her, says he is worried that something may be said during the procedure to alarm his wife.

What do you do at this point?

Since the patient has already signed the form, is there anything more you should do?

Now consider the ethical issues that such a scenario raises. Which ethical principles is the husband in this example most portraying? Which ethical principles should guide the nurse in working with this patient and family member?

Answer 1

What do you do at this point?

Explain to the husband that according to Autonomy, the ethical principle, a woman, as a mature person, is candid to determine regarding surgery on her body, and getting the husband’s permission for the wife's treatment is rarely considered in federal law. Hence, a woman’s informed consent could be adequate for delivering medical or surgical procedures on her body.

Since the patient has already signed the form, is there anything more you should do?

No, but the patient has the right to refuse the biopsy.

Which ethical principles is the husband in this example most portraying?

Right to access information.

Which ethical principles should guide the nurse in working with this patient and family member?

The deferral of autonomy is within the standard of the wife and husband, then the surgery can proceed. In that situation, the client is affirming her autonomy by deciding to submit to her spouse.