Question

A client is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services (EMS) after being hit by a car. The name of the client is unknown, and the client has sustained a severe head injury and multiple fractures and is unconscious. An emergency craniotomy is required. Regarding informed consent for the surgical procedure, which is the best action?

Answer 1

In a critical emergency where a client is incapacitated, medical professionals proceed with treatment under implied consent. This is important in order to provide immediate care that is necessary to save the patient's life, such as an emergency craniotomy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In an emergency department following a motor vehicle accident where a client is unconscious and requires an emergency craniotomy, the best action regarding informed consent is to proceed with the procedure under the assumption of implied consent. In life-threatening situations where the patient is incapacitated and unable to provide consent, medical professionals are ethically and legally permitted to perform necessary treatments to save the patient's life. At the same time, a rapid assessment of neurological function is incredibly important to determine the extent of the injury and to guide emergency and subsequent medical treatment. As soon as it is possible, the healthcare providers will look to identify any known wishes of the patient or obtain consent from a relative or legal representative.

Prior to the procedure, the surgical team, which includes the surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional, must review aloud the key concerns for the recovery and care of the patient, ensuring that every team member is aware of the specifics of the client's situation and proposed treatment plan.

Answer 2

Question Options:

1. Obtain a court order for the surgical procedure

2. Ask the EMS team to sign the informed consent

3. Transport the victim to the operating room for surgery

4. Call the police to identify the client & locate the family

Answer: 3. Transport the victim to the operating room for surgery

Explanation: By and large, there are two situations in which informed consent of an adult individual

is not needed.

Firstly, informed consent is not needed when an emergency is present and treatment is being delayed because of obtaining informed consent.

The first option will delay emergency treatment, while the second option inappropriate. Although option four may be pursued, it is not the best action.