The patient has withdrawn consent prior to surgery. Action?

The patient has withdrawn consent prior to surgery. Action?

• A. Cancel the surgery entirely
• B. Do not transport patient; inform the surgeon
• C. Obtain new consent from family
• D. Proceed with surgery

Answer: (B)

Respect for the patient’s autonomy and the requirement for informed consent are paramount. If a patient withdraws consent before a procedure, the medical team must not move forward with the surgery. The appropriate action is to stop any preparation, do not transport the patient to the operating room, and inform the surgeon so they can discuss the patient’s decision, address questions, and determine next steps (such as rescheduling if the patient later reconsents or clarifying any alternatives). It’s important to document the withdrawal in the chart. Family consent cannot replace the patient’s decision, and the procedure should not proceed unless the patient explicitly reconsents.

Respect for the patient’s autonomy and the requirement for informed consent are paramount. If a patient withdraws consent before a procedure, the medical team must not move forward with the surgery. The appropriate action is to stop any preparation, do not transport the patient to the operating room, and inform the surgeon so they can discuss the patient’s decision, address questions, and determine next steps (such as rescheduling if the patient later reconsents or clarifying any alternatives). It’s important to document the withdrawal in the chart. Family consent cannot replace the patient’s decision, and the procedure should not proceed unless the patient explicitly reconsents.