A client is receiving care in the hospital for life-threatening injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash and is taken immediately to surgery

Question

There is no family available to provide consent; however, the client's medical record is available and reviewed by the nurse. Which treatments are inappropriate in this situation?
Select all that apply.
A) Emergency surgery
B) Treatment that was previously refused
C) Treatment that violates religious beliefs
D) Medications to treat the injury
E) Experimental medications for a research study

Answer 1

Answer: B, C, E

In most states, the law assumes an individual's consent to medical treatment when the person is in imminent danger of loss of life or limb and unable to give informed consent. In other words, the emergency doctrine assumes that the individual would reasonably consent to treatment if able to do so. This doctrine serves as a guiding principle that permits healthcare providers to perform potentially life-saving procedures under circumstances that make it impossible or impractical to obtain consent. Treatment that was previously refused or violates the client's documented religious beliefs are not appropriate. Experimental medications that are being initiated in conjunction with a research study are also not appropriate.