Which statement best defines informed consent?

• A. Agreement given after being informed of risks and benefits
• B. A document listing medical wishes for end-of-life care
• C. A declaration of personal finances
• D. A contract for hospital admission

Answer: (A)

Informed consent is a process where a patient is given clear information about a proposed medical action—its risks, benefits, and alternatives—and then freely agrees to proceed only after understanding. The statement that describes agreement after being informed of risks and benefits matches this definition exactly, highlighting both understanding and voluntary choice as essential. The other descriptions refer to an advance directive for end-of-life wishes, a declaration of finances, and admission paperwork, none of which capture the requirement that consent for a medical action comes from understanding the risks and benefits and choosing to proceed.