Practice Test GeeksBLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test
← All BLS Flashcard Decks

Legal & Ethical Considerations Flashcards

7 cards from real BLS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Legal & Ethical Considerations flashcards as text

  1. A child suffers cardiac arrest at school. A teacher wants to perform CPR but the parents are unreachable. Which consent principle applies?

    Answer: Implied consent allows treatment to save the child's life

    Implied consent covers minors in life-threatening emergencies when a parent or guardian cannot be reached in time.

  2. An off-duty paramedic witnesses a collapse in a restaurant. Legally, their obligation to respond compared to a layperson is generally:

    Answer: Greater — many states impose a duty to act on licensed providers

    Many states hold licensed healthcare professionals to a higher standard and may impose a duty to act even when off duty.

  3. Which term describes the legal concept that a competent adult patient must receive enough information to make an informed decision about their care?

    Answer: Informed consent

    Informed consent requires providers to explain risks, benefits, and alternatives so the patient can decide voluntarily.

  4. A rescuer begins CPR on a victim who then regains consciousness and clearly refuses further assistance. The rescuer should:

    Answer: Stop CPR and respect the now-competent patient's refusal

    A conscious, competent adult has the legal right to refuse treatment at any point, including ongoing CPR.

  5. In BLS ethics, 'nonmaleficence' most directly means a provider should:

    Answer: Avoid causing unnecessary harm to the patient

    Nonmaleficence is the obligation to 'first, do no harm' — avoiding actions that cause unnecessary injury or suffering.

  6. A patient with a valid out-of-hospital DNR experiences respiratory arrest. Which intervention remains APPROPRIATE?

    Answer: Comfort measures and emotional support

    A DNR does not preclude comfort-oriented care; providers should keep the patient comfortable and support family.

  7. Which element is NOT typically required for a Do-Not-Resuscitate order to be legally valid in the United States?

    Answer: Notarization by a licensed notary

    Most states require patient/surrogate and physician signatures with a date, but notarization is not a standard requirement for DNRs.