A nurse is working in a busy emergency room (ER), and an unconscious patient needs timely interventions to avoid rapid deterioration. Should treatment be withheld until consent can be obtained from a substitute decision maker?
A) Yes, because treatment without consent in this situation would be considered battery.
B) No, because this is an emergency situation, and the nurse cannot be found negligent if treatment is not given.
C) Yes, because in emergency situations the nurse is not protected against liability.
D) No, because in emergency situations the nurse is protected against liability.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In emergency situations, healthcare providers are generally protected against liability when providing necessary treatment without consent, as the priority is to prevent harm to the patient.

A Nurse Is Working in a Busy Emergency Room (ER)