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Chapter 5 - Informed consent and decision-making capacity

from Section 1 - General

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 September 2013

By
J. Richard Pittman  and
Jason Lesandrini
Edited by
Michael F. Lubin ,
Thomas F. Dodson  and
Neil H. Winawer
Michael F. Lubin
Affiliation:
Emory University, Atlanta
Thomas F. Dodson
Affiliation:
Emory University, Atlanta
Neil H. Winawer
Affiliation:
Emory University, Atlanta
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Summary

Clinical scenario

Ms. P is a 49-year-old-female with obesity and depression who has arrived this morning for her elective cholecystectomy. She initially presented to Surgery Clinic following hospitalization for cholecystitis that was managed medically. Your colleague saw her in clinic and after a discussion of possible options, he scheduled her for the surgery 2 weeks later. His note documents that he discussed “the surgery, the risks, and likely outcomes.”

In the preoperative area the patient is notably nervous about surgery, but wants to be rid of her right-upper quadrant pain. Just prior to surgery you approach her with a consent form in hand. You ask, “Do you have any questions about the surgery, prior to signing the consent?” She responds, “No, he said my pain would go away after putting a few holes in my belly.” She signs the consent form and you walk back to the operating room.

Type
Chapter
Information
Medical Management of the Surgical Patient
A Textbook of Perioperative Medicine
 , pp. 39 - 45
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2013

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References

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