BLS Legal & Ethical Considerations 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Implied consent allows treatment to save the child's life

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Avoid causing unnecessary harm to the patient

Answer

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

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test