A nurse is planning care for a client with bipolar disorder who was voluntarily admitted. For which intervention should informed consent be obtained?

• A. Attending a cognitive behavioral therapy class
• B. Taking an experimental medication
• C. Receiving light therapy
• D. Participating in a group exercise program

Answer: (B)

Informed consent is required when a treatment is experimental or carries potential unknown risks and requires the patient’s voluntary agreement after clear disclosure of purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. An experimental medication fits this situation because it involves unknowns and deliberate decision-making by the patient. Before such a drug is given, the patient should understand what it aims to treat, possible side effects, alternative options, and the option to decline.

The other interventions are standard, nonexperimental therapies with established risk profiles. They’re typically offered as part of routine care, with general treatment information provided, but they do not require a separate, formal informed-consent process in the same way as an experimental medication.