An unconscious client is brought to the emergency department by the paramedics after being hit by a car. An emergency craniotomy is required. The client has no identification. What action should be taken next? A)Contact the national database to see if the client has a healthcare proxy B)Contact the police to help identify the client and locate family members C)Obtain a court order for the client's surgical procedure D)Transport the client to the operating room under implied consent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Implied consent in emergency situations includes the following criteria: There is an emergency Treatment is required to protect the client's health It is impractical to obtain consent It is believed that the client would want treatment if able to consent In this case, it would be assumed that the client would want life-saving surgery; the health care provider should proceed. (Option A) This client's name is not known and there is no national database of healthcare proxy names/power of attorney. (Option B) This should also be done but results may not be obtained in a timely manner. The client needs immediate surgery and this should proceed with the client as a "John Doe" (placeholder name) in the meantime. (Option C) This would cause considerable delay. Court orders are used for protective custody to take control of the care of a minor when the adult parent is refusing necessary life-saving care. Educational objective: Emergency life-saving care can proceed for a client who cannot give consent if it is essential and believed that the client would want treatment if able to consent. Care is rendered under the principle of implied consent.

An Unconscious Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department by the Paramedics