Question

If a patient refuses to consent to treatment, what should the medical assistant do?

1) Schedule the patient for another appointment
2) Force treatment on the patient
3) Force the patient to consent
4) Delay treatment and inform/consult the physician
5) Terminate the patient

Answer 1

When a patient refuses to consent to treatment, medical assistants should delay the treatment and consult with the physician while respecting the patient's autonomy and the ethical principle of informed consent.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient refuses to consent to treatment, the medical assistant should delay treatment and inform/consult the physician. This aligns with ethical guidelines that prioritize patient autonomy, ensuring the patient's right to make decisions about their own body and medical care. Medical assistants must respect the patient's decision and seek the guidance of the physician for how to proceed. It is never acceptable to force treatment or consent on a patient, as this violates the principle of protecting the patient from personal harm and the fundamental ethic of informed consent.