A 17-year-old male has presented to the emergency department with appendicitis. He speaks English, but his mother speaks Spanish. The mother needs to sign a consent for emergency surgery, because the patient is a minor. Which of the following is the most appropriate method of obtaining consent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most appropriate method is to obtain an interpreter to explain the procedure to the patient and mother in Spanish, and ask her to sign a Spanish consent form. It is important for the mother to fully understand the risks and benefits of the surgery before giving consent. Using an interpreter will ensure that she fully comprehends the procedure and the potential outcomes. It is also important to obtain a consent form in the patient and family's preferred language to prevent any miscommunication.

A 17-Year-Old Male Has Presented to the Emergency Department with Appendicitis