College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Informed consent is a key principle in the CNO's framework for decision-making because it underscores the importance of respecting a patient's autonomy and their right to make informed choices about their own care. This means that healthcare providers must ensure that patients are fully informed about their medical conditions, the benefits and risks of proposed treatments, and any alternatives that are available. By obtaining informed consent, nurses not only comply with legal and ethical obligations but also foster a trusting relationship with patients, which can lead to better health outcomes.

While personal intuition, cost-effectiveness, and peer recommendations are certainly factors that may influence decisions in nursing practice, they do not carry the same foundational significance as informed consent. Personal intuition can vary from practitioner to practitioner, and while it may guide some decision-making, it does not ensure that patients are adequately informed. Cost-effectiveness focuses more on the financial aspects rather than patient-centered care. Peer recommendations can serve as valuable support, yet they do not involve direct communication with the patient regarding their specific context and needs. Thus, informed consent remains central in ensuring ethical and legal standards are met in nursing practice.