A client who is unconscious and has extensive internal injuries arrives via ambulance to the emergency department. The staff cannot reach the client's family. Which of the following permits the staff to proceed with emergency surgery?
Good Samaritan Act
Nonmaleficence
Living will
Implied consent
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Good Samaritan Act is incorrect. The Good Samaritan Act typically provides legal protection to individuals who provide assistance during emergency situations, but it does not specifically address consent for medical treatment. It protects individuals from liability when providing reasonable assistance in emergency situations.
Choice B Reason:
Nonmaleficence is incorrect. Nonmaleficence is an ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to do no harm. While it guides healthcare professionals in prioritizing patient safety and well-being, it does not provide legal authority to proceed with medical treatment without consent.
Choice C Reason:
Living will is incorrect. A living will be a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate their wishes. However, if the client's living will does not specifically address the circumstances of emergency surgery, it may not apply in this situation.
Choice D Reason:
Implied consent is correct. Implied consent allows healthcare providers to proceed with necessary medical treatment when it is reasonable to assume that the patient would consent if they were able to do so. In emergency situations where a patient is unconscious or unable to provide consent, and efforts to reach family members are unsuccessful, healthcare providers may proceed with treatment based on the principle of implied consent to prevent further harm or loss of life.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Having the client sign a consent for treatment is not appropriate. In emergency situations where a patient's life or health is in immediate danger, obtaining written consent may not be feasible or appropriate. The priority is to provide necessary medical treatment and stabilize the patient's condition. Consent may be obtained verbally if possible, but it should not delay urgent interventions.
Choice B Reason:
Contacting the client's next of kin to obtain consent for treatment is not appropriate. While it's important to involve the patient's family or next of kin in decision-making when possible, obtaining consent from them in an emergency may not be practical or timely. The focus should be on providing immediate medical care to stabilize the patient.
Choice C Reason:
Notifying risk management before initiating treatment is not appropriate. Risk management concerns are important in healthcare settings, but in emergency situations where a patient's life is at risk, the priority is to provide urgent medical care. Risk management can be addressed after the patient has been stabilized.
Choice D Reason:
Proceeding with treatment without obtaining written consent is appropriate. In emergency situations, healthcare providers have a duty to provide care without delay to stabilize the patient's condition. Written consent may be obtained later if the patient becomes stable or when circumstances allow. The primary focus is on providing necessary medical interventions to address the disorientation and cardiac arrhythmia.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
The client needs to have someone come in to help her bathe at home is incorrect. While this indicates a need for assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, it does not necessarily require the involvement of a social worker. This need may be addressed by home health aides or other community resources.
Choice B Reason:
The client needs to have range-of-motion exercises to assist with ambulation is incorrect. This suggests a need for rehabilitation or physical therapy services, which would typically be addressed by a physical therapist rather than a social worker.
Choice C Reason:
The client needs to arrange financial resources to purchase equipment is correct. The need to arrange financial resources indicates potential financial concerns or barriers that a social worker can assist with. Social workers are trained to help clients access resources and support services, including assistance with financial matters.
Choice D Reason:
The client needs to have someone bring oxygen tanks and equipment to her home is incorrect. While this indicates a need for assistance with arranging for medical equipment, such as oxygen tanks, it may be more closely related to coordination with home healthcare services or medical equipment providers rather than the role of a social worker.
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