Final answer:
In an emergency, treatment can be provided immediately if the person is capable of giving consent. If they are incapable, parents for minors or advance directives like DNR orders for adults may guide treatment. In research, informed consent is mandatory to protect participant's rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment in an emergency can be provided immediately if the person is capable of giving consent and provides the consent. In some situations, such as when dealing with minors, parents or legal guardians are the ones who provide consent on behalf of their children as children are not deemed competent to make such decisions for themselves.
In the case of voluntary passive euthanasia, which is legal in the United States, a person may have an advanced directive such as a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. This indicates their consent in advance to withhold life-sustaining measures. If an individual is not capable of giving consent due to their condition, and they have not previously provided directions through an advanced directive, then this would fall under nonvoluntary passive euthanasia, where treatment is withheld without the patient's consent.
In research studies, ensuring that participants are fully informed and provide explicit consent is crucial for the protection of their rights and well-being. However, there can be ethical concerns in situations where individuals like inmates might not feel free to refuse participation due to perceived obligations or the promise of benefits.