An adult client is brought to the emergency department by emergency medical services after being hit by a car. The name of the client is not known. The client has sustained a severe head injury and multiple fractures and is unconscious. An emergency craniotomy is required. In regard to informed consent for the surgical procedure, which of the following is the best initial action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In emergency situations where a patient is unconscious and unable to give consent, and there is no time to locate next of kin, medical professionals can proceed with life-saving treatment under the doctrine of implied consent. This assumes that a reasonable person would consent to surgery in a life-threatening situation.

An Adult Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department by Emergency