AEMCA Medicolegal and Ethical Issues 2

Question 1

A patient with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order goes into cardiac arrest. What is the AEMCA's appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Honor the DNR and withhold resuscitation

Answer

A valid DNR order is a legal document that must be honored; withholding resuscitation respects the patient's documented wishes.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the legal concept of 'abandonment' in EMS?

Accepted Answer

Terminating care without ensuring an equal or higher level of care takes over

Answer

Abandonment occurs when a provider unilaterally terminates care without transferring responsibility to an equally or more qualified provider.

Question 3

When is it legally permissible for an AEMCA to disclose patient information to law enforcement without patient consent?

Accepted Answer

When required by mandatory reporting laws such as for gunshot wounds

Answer

Mandatory reporting laws legally require disclosure of specific information such as gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and suspected abuse to law enforcement.

Question 4

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:

Accepted Answer

Defamation

Answer

Documenting subjective characterizations without clinical basis can constitute defamation if the statements damage the patient's reputation.

Question 5

A competent adult patient refuses transport after a motor vehicle collision. To protect against liability, the AEMCA should:

Accepted Answer

Have the patient sign a refusal form after explaining risks and benefits

Answer

A signed informed refusal form that documents the patient's understanding of risks protects the AEMCA against future liability.

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA - Advanced Emergency Medical Care Assistant Practice Test

AEMCA Medicolegal and Ethical Issues 2