A competent patient declines discussion of recurrent-laryngeal-nerve injury before thyroidectomy, saying it will increase anxiety. What is the best response?
Consent is a dialogue tailored to what matters to the patient; the clinician should not force detail, conceal essential information or treat a signature as sufficient.
A. Cancel surgery automatically: A wish to limit detail does not itself invalidate capacity or consent.
B. Obtain a signature without further conversation: A form does not replace supported decision making.
C. Withhold every risk because the patient asked once: Clarify the request and ensure the patient understands the implications and available choices.
D. Explore the wish, explain why material information matters, respect a persistent informed preference and document the process: Consent is a dialogue tailored to what matters to the patient; the clinician should not force detail, conceal essential information or treat a signature as sufficient.
E. Ask a relative to consent instead: A competent adult makes their own decision unless they authorise support.
If the patient lacked decision-making capacity, the legal best-interests framework and appropriate consultation would replace ordinary consent.
Independent Clinora preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme or a substitute for local policy and specialist judgement.
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