A family is involved in an automobile accident. The father, who is unconscious, and his 14-year-old son, who has suffered life-threatening injuries, are transported by ambulance to the hospital
The hospital staff attempt to contact the mother; however, they learn from the housekeeper that the mother is out of the country and not reachable by phone. Which of the following actions would be most reasonable and prudent on the part of the hospital staff? a. Obtain informed consent from the child, if possible, and with or without it, provide life-saving procedures.
b. Get a court order from a judge in case the family later has objections to some of the care, such as the use of blood products.
c. Have the housekeeper give informed consent.
d. Locate another relative and get informed consent.
A
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A Correct: Health care providers may provide emergency life-saving care to a child if they have made a reasonable attempt to contact the child's parent or legal guardian to obtain prior informed consent.
B Incorrect: If a parent refuses to act in the best interest of a child, the state may step in and make legal decisions for the child. However, in this situation the father is unconscious and the mother cannot be reached, so it is not known if the parents would give consent.
C Incorrect: It is the role of the parents or legal guardian to give informed consent for the child. The housekeeper is not a parent or legal guardian.
D Incorrect: Locating another relative to obtain informed consent is not the most reasonable and prudent action for the hospital staff.
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