An unconscious client is brought to the emergency department (ED) by ambulance following a car accident. Without a family member to give informed consent, the nurse should
A) begin treatment of the client under the doctrine of implied emergency consent.
B) have a hospital administrator sign the consent form.
C) request the physician to sign the consent form.
D) wait until a family member is contacted before treating the client.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a client is unable to give consent or is unconscious, emergency treatment can be provided under the doctrine of implied consent, which assumes that the client would consent to treatment to prevent death or disability if the client were so able.

An Unconscious Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department (ED)