A 12-year-old child is admitted to the unit for a surgical procedure. The child is accompanied by two parents and a younger sibling. What is the level of involvement in treatment decision making for this child?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child is not old enough to be considered an emancipated minor or a mature minor, so the parents have the final say in treatment decisions. However, the child should still be included in the decision-making process through the process of assent, where the healthcare team explains the procedure and any potential risks or benefits to the child in a developmentally appropriate way and allows the child to express their preferences or concerns.

A 12-Year-Old Child Is Admitted to the Unit for a Surgical