A male client arrives at the outpatient surgery center for a scheduled needle aspiration of the knee. Which action should the nurse perform?

• A. Verify the patient’s identity with the date of birth
• B. Witness the client’s signature on the consent form
• C. Administer preoperative antibiotics
• D. Move the patient to the recovery area

Answer: (B)

The key idea is informed consent and the nurse’s role in validating it. For any procedure, the patient must give informed consent, meaning they understand the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and agree to it voluntarily. The nurse’s job includes making sure that consent is properly documented and witnessed. By witnessing the patient’s signature on the consent form, the nurse helps confirm that the patient signed willingly, and that the form accurately reflects the patient’s understanding and agreement. This protects both the patient and the provider from later questions about consent.

While verifying identity is important, it typically happens as part of standard preoperative checks, and antibiotics require a physician’s order and timing specific to the procedure. Moving the patient to the recovery area happens after the procedure. The act most directly tied to ensuring the procedure is legitimate and legally documented is witnessing the signature on the consent form.