Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What three aspects must be included in an informed consent discussion with a patient?

1. Duration, risks, and costs

2. Risks, opportunities, and techniques

3. Benefits, risks, and alternatives

4. Effects, alternatives, and side effects

The correct answer is: Benefits, risks, and alternatives

Informed consent is a critical component of ethical patient care and its discussion must cover essential aspects that empower patients to make knowledgeable decisions about their treatment options. The inclusion of benefits, risks, and alternatives ensures that the patient is well-informed about what to expect from a proposed treatment or procedure. Benefits highlight the potential positive outcomes and what the patient stands to gain from the intervention. This could include improvements in health, symptom relief, or enhanced well-being. By discussing the benefits, healthcare providers help patients understand the reasoning behind recommending a particular treatment. Risks involve any potential negative outcomes or side effects that could arise from the treatment. This is important because it prepares the patient for the possible complications and allows them to weigh these against the benefits. Alternatives provide patients with other options that may be available, including different treatments, no treatment, or even a watchful waiting approach. Presenting alternatives allows patients to consider their choices and encourages shared decision-making, which is crucial in patient-centered care. In contrast, the other options do not encompass all critical facets of informed consent. For example, discussing duration and costs does not give patients a thorough understanding of the implications of their treatment choice. Similarly, opportunities or techniques alone do not adequately inform a patient of the full spectrum