Medicolegal and Ethical Issues Flashcards
7 cards from real AEMCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medicolegal and Ethical Issues flashcards as text
A patient with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order goes into cardiac arrest. What is the AEMCA's appropriate action?
Answer: Honor the DNR and withhold resuscitation
A valid DNR order is a legal document that must be honored; withholding resuscitation respects the patient's documented wishes.
Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'abandonment' in EMS?
Answer: Terminating care without ensuring an equal or higher level of care takes over
Abandonment occurs when a provider unilaterally terminates care without transferring responsibility to an equally or more qualified provider.
When is it legally permissible for an AEMCA to disclose patient information to law enforcement without patient consent?
Answer: When required by mandatory reporting laws such as for gunshot wounds
Mandatory reporting laws legally require disclosure of specific information such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and suspected abuse to law enforcement.
An AEMCA documents in the patient care report that a patient was 'intoxicated and uncooperative' without objective clinical findings. This documentation could create liability for:
Answer: Defamation
Documenting subjective characterizations without clinical basis can constitute defamation if the statements damage the patient's reputation.
A competent adult patient refuses transport after a motor vehicle collision. To protect against liability, the AEMCA should:
Answer: Have the patient sign a refusal form after explaining risks and benefits
A signed informed refusal form that documents the patient's understanding of risks protects the AEMCA against future liability.
Which ethical principle obligates the AEMCA to avoid causing harm to the patient?
Answer: Non-maleficence
Non-maleficence is the duty to 'do no harm' and requires providers to avoid actions that could injure or worsen the patient's condition.
An AEMCA is called to a scene where a patient's family member claims to hold power of attorney. In an emergency, the AEMCA should:
Answer: Treat the patient under implied consent while verifying the POA's scope with medical direction
In true emergencies, implied consent allows treatment while the validity and scope of a POA are clarified through medical direction.