Alzheimer's Pt...and consent form

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I work for a Plastic surgeon....we have a pt who is dx with alzheimers..but is still functional....but IS forgetful....for his first appt...the family sent him by himself...the poor guy could not fill out his out medical information form... he forgot his wife gave him a list of medications to list for his chart, ect....get whyere I am coming from...??? We did call the wife to confirm his medical hx..after the saw him for his visit.

He is going to have a minor surgical procedured done in the office (not cosmetic)...whenever, we do surgical procedures all pt's sign a surgical consent and I sign as the witness...(doc sign's too)

Am I wrong to say...a family member should be present to sign for the pt on the consent form??? I do not want my signature on form unless a family member (ex: wife) sign's for the pt and is present before we do anything..This pt expresses he understands...but I really not sure to what degree....get my pciture?

What do you guys thinks??

I think I am correct....I am already verbilizing my concerns about this in the office.

Annor

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In my opinion I would like another family member there to sign the consent, it doesn't seem to me that the consent would be legal.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.

I agree with the above-and I'd make a call to the office of the aging.This man's family needs a heads up before a tragedy occurs...

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I am a Alhzheimers nurse and I would be calling the wife to sign the consent if he didnt have a POA designated. SHe probably has no idea that he has such memory and function problems (denial). This is the kinda stuff that comes back to bite you in the butt later. Remember he has a DX of Alz for a reason. CYA... Good luck to you....

I work for a Plastic surgeon....we have a pt who is dx with alzheimers..but is still functional....but IS forgetful....for his first appt...the family sent him by himself...the poor guy could not fill out his out medical information form... he forgot his wife gave him a list of medications to list for his chart, ect....get whyere I am coming from...??? We did call the wife to confirm his medical hx..after the saw him for his visit.

He is going to have a minor surgical procedured done in the office (not cosmetic)...whenever, we do surgical procedures all pt's sign a surgical consent and I sign as the witness...(doc sign's too)

Am I wrong to say...a family member should be present to sign for the pt on the consent form??? I do not want my signature on form unless a family member (ex: wife) sign's for the pt and is present before we do anything..This pt expresses he understands...but I really not sure to what degree....get my pciture?

What do you guys thinks??

I think I am correct....I am already verbilizing my concerns about this in the office.

Annor

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I would say that yes, he should have either a POA or a family member sign consent...However if they send him by himself again, you could always call and get verbal consent for the procedure.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

No one can legally sign for him EXCEPT him unless you have someone with guardianship or health care representative status (and copies of same - not just their say-so...). If you have ANY questions about his understanding of a procedure, it would be wise to have his wife or next of kin present at explaining and signing of the consent.

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