'What have I done?': the issue of informed consent

Patients are presented with informed consent forms at a time of stress and indecision. The patient should be treated with respect and not encouraged to sign a form that is not fully understood. Rehabilitation nurses whose patients face surgery are in a unique position to explore the implications of surgery with the patient. The nurse's role in assessing whether the patient is alert, knowledgeable of, and agreeable to all aspects regarding the surgery is vital.