What are key requirements for informed consent in nursing research involving human subjects?

• A. Deception allowed in some cases
• B. Disclosure of risks/benefits, alternatives, voluntary participation, capacity, comprehension, and freedom to withdraw without penalty; IRB approval and ongoing monitoring are also required
• C. Participation mandatory
• D. Only the participant's name and contact information

Answer: (B)

Respect for persons in research means ensuring informed consent is thorough and truly voluntary. The best approach is to disclose what the study involves, including the potential risks and benefits, any alternatives to participation, and that taking part is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time without penalty. It also requires that participants have the capacity to consent and actually understand what they are agreeing to—so comprehension is verified. In addition, ethical oversight, typically through Institutional Review Board approval and ongoing monitoring, is required to protect participants throughout the study.

Deception is not a universal or required element of informed consent, and participation is not mandatory. Simply collecting a name and contact information does not meet the requirements for informed consent, since it does not convey the necessary information or confirm voluntary, informed participation.