What should the nurse ensure when witnessing a client's signature on a consent form?

When witnessing a client's signature on a consent form, the primary responsibility of the nurse is to ensure that the client has voluntarily signed the form without any coercion. This means that the client has made a free choice to consent to the procedure, without undue influence from healthcare providers, family members, or other parties.

This aspect of informed consent is crucial because it underlines the ethical principle of autonomy, where the client has the right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare based on their values and preferences. Ensuring that consent is given voluntarily helps protect the integrity of the consent process, affirming that the patient is in a mental state to understand and agree to what they are committing to.

While aspects such as understanding the procedure, being adequately informed, and acknowledging the associated risks are all important components of the informed consent process, the specific role of the nurse when witnessing the signature is to confirm the client's autonomy and voluntary agreement.