Surgical First Assistant Mock Interview
Master 30 Surgical First Assistant interview questions covering sterile technique, intraoperative procedures, and clinical judgment.
Question 5 of 30
If you were working a case where a patient had signed consent, but just before being sedated, he stated to you that he doesn't think he wants the surgery, what would your response be?
Entry Level 1
Entry Level 2
Experienced
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Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.
Entry Level: "If a patient appears unsure or states that he may have changed his mind about any procedure, invasive or not, that is something that I am obligated to tell my supervisor."
Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.
"If a patient appears unsure or states that he may have changed his mind about any procedure, invasive or not, that is something that I am obligated to tell my supervisor."
Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.
"Whether a consent has been signed or not, if a patient expresses a desire to cancel or postpone a procedure, it is well within his or her right to do so. I would immediately notify supervisory staff and make sure that the surgeon is notified, as well. Performing a procedure on a patient after he/she has stated that it is no longer their wish could constitute a legal charge of battery."
Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.
This situation is one where legal issues should be weighed very carefully. Knowing how to make a judgment call is one thing; making a decision for a patient is something completely different. The interviewer wants to know that you are aware of your legal responsibilities in a case such as this and that you have the patient's best interest at heart.
Darby Faubion has been a Nurse and Allied Health Educator for over 20 years. She has clinical experience in several specialty areas, including pediatrics, medical-surgical, critical care, and hospice.
"A patient has the right to opt out of any treatment. Even if consent has been signed, if a patient tells me that he has changed his mind, or is unsure, I will immediately notify the surgeon and my supervisor before the procedure is begun."
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Anonymous Answer
I would immediately advise the anesthesiologist and my surgeon. Signed consent is not a legally binding document; the patient has every right to change their mind.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a very confident answer, and it's great that you respond with zero hesitation. It's clear that you understand a patient's rights and take the correct steps to protect the individual in this situation.
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