A patient scheduled for surgery wants explanation; most appropriate response?

• A. I will have the surgeon come back in here and discuss it with you again.
• B. I can explain in simpler terms right now.
• C. There’s nothing more we can do.
• D. We will discuss later.

Answer: (A)

When a patient asks for explanation before a procedure, the best approach is to ensure they hear the information from the clinician who will perform the surgery. Having the surgeon come back to discuss it ensures that the patient receives accurate, procedure-specific details, including risks, benefits, and alternatives, and can ask questions directly to the person responsible for the operation. This supports true informed consent and shows respect for the patient’s need to understand what will happen.

Explaining in simpler terms right away is helpful for clarity, but it may not capture the full scope of the operation, and the definitive discussion about risks and consent should come from the surgeon. Saying there’s nothing more we can do or promising to discuss later sidesteps the patient’s need for timely, direct information and can feel dismissive.