What should you always obtain from a competent person?

• A. Signed consent
• B. Oral consent
• C. No consent needed
• D. Written consent only in certain cases

Answer: (A)

When you’re dealing with procedures that require consent, the patient’s autonomous decision must be documented. From a competent person, you should obtain written (signed) consent because it provides a durable record that they were informed about what will happen, understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives, and chose to proceed voluntarily. A signed form creates clear evidence for both the patient and the clinical team and helps protect against misunderstandings or disputes later. Oral consent can be valid in some urgent or specific situations, but it isn’t as reliable for documentation and accountability. No consent is never appropriate when a procedure requires it, and written consent is not limited only to certain cases—written documentation is the standard practice to ensure clarity and record-keeping.