When involving a client's family in care planning, what must be obtained first?

When involving a client's family in care planning, what must be obtained first?

• A. Consent from family members
• B. The client's permission
• C. The nurse's discretion
• D. Hospital policy

Answer: (B)

Respect for the client’s autonomy and privacy means you must obtain the client’s permission before involving family in care planning. The client has the right to decide who is informed and who participates in decisions about their care. The nurse should discuss with the client what information can be shared and with whom, and obtain explicit, voluntary consent prior to involving family. If the client agrees, family involvement can proceed and reflect the client’s wishes. If the client does not want family involved, that boundary must be honored and information shared only with consent. If the client lacks decision-making capacity, then a legally authorized surrogate or advance directive guides involvement, but the initial step remains obtaining the client’s permission whenever possible.

Respect for the client’s autonomy and privacy means you must obtain the client’s permission before involving family in care planning. The client has the right to decide who is informed and who participates in decisions about their care. The nurse should discuss with the client what information can be shared and with whom, and obtain explicit, voluntary consent prior to involving family. If the client agrees, family involvement can proceed and reflect the client’s wishes. If the client does not want family involved, that boundary must be honored and information shared only with consent. If the client lacks decision-making capacity, then a legally authorized surrogate or advance directive guides involvement, but the initial step remains obtaining the client’s permission whenever possible.