Understanding Informed Consent and Duress

In preparation for a surgical procedure, the nurse explains the importance of informed consent to the patient. The nurse ensures the patient understands the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternatives before signing the consent form. In this scenario, the patient is required to give consent voluntarily, without any form of coercion or undue pressure.

Fill in the blank: The nurse must verify that the patient has received adequate information and comprehends the details before consent is obtained. It is crucial that the consent is not given under ___________ (insert term), as this can affect the validity of the consent.