Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

Which of the following is a necessary component of informed consent?

1. A brief explanation of the treatment

2. A detailed review of potential risks

3. Signature of a family member

4. Approval by a hospital administrator

The correct answer is: A detailed review of potential risks

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in healthcare that ensures patients are fully aware of and agree to the proposed medical treatment. A necessary component of informed consent is a detailed review of potential risks associated with the treatment. This information is crucial because it empowers patients to make educated decisions regarding their healthcare. Understanding the risks is essential for patients to weigh the benefits against potential negative outcomes; it enables them to consider how the treatment may affect their health and quality of life. Moreover, this aspect of informed consent is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions, as it upholds the ethical obligation of healthcare providers to respect patient autonomy and promote informed decision-making. While a brief explanation of the treatment provides context, it is the detailed review of potential risks that holds weight in ensuring that the patient is making a fully informed decision. The signature of a family member is not a required component for consent to be valid, as consenting individuals must be capable of understanding the information provided. Approval by a hospital administrator is not a component of patient consent; rather, it typically relates to the administrative processes within a healthcare facility.