Question

An emergency room physician directs a phlebotomist to draw blood from an unconscious patient

of unknown identity. This is
a. Illegal and the phlebotomist should refuse
b. Legal under the concept of implied consent
c. Legal under the concept of informed consent
d. Illegal unless the patient becomes responsive and agrees to the draw

Answer 1

An emergency room physician can legally direct a phlebotomist to draw blood from an unconscious patient of unknown identity under the concept of implied consent.

Step-by-step explanation:

An emergency room physician can legally direct a phlebotomist to draw blood from an unconscious patient of unknown identity under the concept of implied consent. Implied consent means that in emergency situations where the patient is unable to provide explicit consent, it is assumed that they would consent to the necessary medical procedures to save their life or improve their condition.

Informed consent, on the other hand, requires the patient to understand the risks, benefits, and alternatives of a procedure and provide explicit consent.

Therefore, option b – Legal under the concept of implied consent – is the correct answer.

Learn more about Medical consent