What is a common risk of failing to obtain informed consent when required?

• A. Legal liability for battery or negligence.
• B. Immediate improvement in outcomes.
• C. Increased satisfaction in care.
• D. No potential consequences.

Answer: (A)

Informed consent is about respecting patient autonomy and ensuring they understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives before a procedure. If consent is required but not obtained, the clinician exposes themselves to real legal risk. The most common outcomes are civil liability for battery—performing or continuing a procedure without the patient’s permission—and negligence—failing to meet the standard of care by obtaining appropriate consent. These risks can lead to lawsuits, damages, and professional discipline, making proper informed consent a crucial protection for both patient and provider.

Choices like immediate improvement in outcomes or increased satisfaction do not follow from skipping consent, and there are real consequences for not obtaining it, contrary to the idea that there would be none.