Components Of An Informed Consent Before Performing Any Procedure

All of the following are part of the informed consent process EXCEPT:
A. Alternatives and likely consequences of the alternatives to the procedure
B. Ascertainment of understanding by the patient
C. Discussion of the details of the procedure
D. Outlining the patient’s wishes if he or she becomes unable to make decisions
E. Risks and benefits of the procedure

Answer:
D. Outlining the patient’s wishes if he or she becomes unable to make decisions

Discussion: Before performing any procedure, a physician has the ethical duty to discuss the details of the procedure with the patient and ensuring that he or she understands before proceeding.

This process includes

• ensuring that the patient has the mental capacity to provide consent, 
• outlining the risks and benefits of the procedure, and 
• discussing alternatives and potential consequences of these alternatives. 

Informed consent does not require that a patient outline his or her wishes if he or she becomes incompetent to make decisions. This is accomplished in an advanced directive, which can outline the goals of care and also appoint someone to make medical decisions.