Informed consent is primarily intended to help ensure what?

Informed consent is fundamentally about ensuring that patients have the right to understand and make decisions regarding their own medical care. This process empowers patients by providing them with comprehensive information about their condition, the proposed procedure, potential risks and benefits, and alternative treatment options. It emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy, allowing them to actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

By securing informed consent, healthcare professionals ensure that patients are not only aware but also comprehend what they are consenting to, thus fostering an ethical relationship built on respect and trust. This concept is crucial in the field of perioperative nursing, as it directly impacts the safety and satisfaction of patients during their surgical journeys.