Which of the following can prevent a patient from comprehending informed consent?

A language barrier can significantly hinder a patient's ability to understand informed consent because it affects communication between the healthcare provider and the patient. When a patient is not proficient in the language used by the healthcare team, they may struggle to grasp the details of the information being provided, including the nature of the treatment, potential risks, and benefits. Clear communication is crucial for informed consent as it ensures that patients fully understand what they are agreeing to. Without the ability to communicate effectively, patients may either misinterpret information or not comprehend it at all, which can jeopardize their autonomy and capacity to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

While lack of education, stress, and time constraints can also impact a patient's understanding, they do not primarily interfere with the basic ability to communicate. Informed consent relies on clear dialogue, making language proficiency a critical factor.