What must be completed before a patient undergoes a procedure requiring consent?

• A. Physical assessment
• B. Interview
• C. Informed consent
• D. Surgical checklist

Answer: (C)

Respect for patient autonomy requires that a patient actively agrees to a procedure with full understanding of what will be done. This means providing clear information about the procedure, its benefits, risks, and alternatives (including the choice to decline), and ensuring the patient can understand and is free from coercion. When the patient grasps the information, asks questions, and voluntarily consents, this is informed consent, which must be obtained before the procedure and documented.

Physical assessment is important for safety and planning but does not establish consent. An interview may help determine understanding, yet the formal requirement is the patient's informed and voluntary agreement. A surgical checklist supports safety practices but does not substitute for obtaining consent.