What is the purpose of informed consent in procedures?

• A. To ensure the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
• B. To document the physician's authority to perform the procedure.
• C. To expedite the procedure without discussion.
• D. To determine insurance coverage.

Answer: (A)

Informed consent focuses on respecting the patient’s autonomy by making sure they understand what will be done, the potential risks and benefits, and reasonable alternatives to the procedure. This clear, two-way discussion lets the patient make a voluntary, well-informed decision and allows them to ask questions before proceeding. The purpose isn’t to document the physician’s authority or to rush the process, or to determine insurance coverage. Those aspects are separate: consent is about the patient’s comprehension and choice, not about authorizing the clinician or speeding things up.