A 16-year-old trauma victim arrives in the emergency department with a

QUESTION

A 16-year-old trauma victim arrives in the emergency department with a life-threatening condition and requires emergency surgery. The nurse knows that

a. a parent/guardian must give consent.
b. the client can give consent if she provides proof of emancipation.
c. the client must first be evaluated for competency before obtaining consent.
d. surgery can be performed without consent.

ANSWER:

ANS: D
Surgery can be performed without consent because it is a life-threatening emergency. Normally parents or a guardian must give consent, but in a life-threatening emergency medical care can be administered without consent. Providing proof of emancipation is not necessary in a life-threatening situation. The client does not need to first be evaluated for competency in a life-threatening situation.