A 12-year-old child is being admitted to the unit for a surgical procedure. The child is accompanied by two parents and a younger sibling. The level of involvement in treatment decision making for this child is:

Question

1. That of an emancipated minor.
2. That of a mature minor.
3. That of assent.
4. None.

Answer 1

3
Rationale:
1. An emancipated minor is a self-supporting adolescent who is not subject to the control of a parent or guardian.
2. A mature minor is a 14- or 15-year-old whom the state law designates as being able to understand medical risks and who is thus permitted to give informed consent for treatment.
3. Assent requires the ability to generally understand what procedure and treatments are planned, to understand what participation is required, and to make a statement of agreement or disagreement with the plan. Usually, in Piaget's stage of formal operations, 11–13-year-olds should be able to problem-solve using abstract concepts, and are able to give valid assent when parents sign the informed consent.
4. The child has some involvement at age 12, so this answer is not correct.