If a planned procedure is not within the signed consent, what is the appropriate action?

If a planned procedure is not within the signed consent, what is the appropriate action?

• A. Proceed with the unsanctioned portion
• B. Proceed with the signed portion only
• C. Cancel the surgery until valid permission can be obtained
• D. Document the issue and wait for patient to be asked later

Answer: (C)

Consent must cover the exact procedures planned; anything beyond what’s signed requires new authorization. If the planned procedure isn’t within the signed consent, you cannot proceed with that portion. The appropriate action is to cancel or pause the surgery until valid permission can be obtained from the patient (or their surrogate) for the additional procedure. This preserves patient autonomy, aligns the surgical plan with what the patient agreed to, and reduces liability. After stopping, document the discrepancy and obtain consent for the added procedure before proceeding.

Consent must cover the exact procedures planned; anything beyond what’s signed requires new authorization. If the planned procedure isn’t within the signed consent, you cannot proceed with that portion. The appropriate action is to cancel or pause the surgery until valid permission can be obtained from the patient (or their surrogate) for the additional procedure. This preserves patient autonomy, aligns the surgical plan with what the patient agreed to, and reduces liability. After stopping, document the discrepancy and obtain consent for the added procedure before proceeding.