BLS Legal & Ethical Considerations 4

Question 1

During a mass casualty event, a BLS provider must choose which patients to treat first with limited resources. This reflects which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Justice requires fair allocation of limited resources, which is the foundation of triage systems in mass casualty events.

Question 2

A 17-year-old minor seeks BLS treatment after a witnessed collapse at a mall. Legally, treatment should be:

Accepted Answer

Provided under implied consent due to the life-threatening emergency

Answer

Life-threatening emergencies involving minors are covered by implied consent when a parent is unavailable.

Question 3

A BLS provider at a community event finds a victim unresponsive with no pulse and a prominent tattoo reading 'DNR.' How should the provider respond?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR because a tattoo is not a legally recognized DNR order

Answer

Tattoos are not legally recognized DNR documents; without a valid written order, BLS providers should initiate CPR.

Question 4

The principle of 'beneficence' in BLS ethics requires providers to:

Accepted Answer

Actively promote the patient's well-being and best interests

Answer

Beneficence obligates providers to take positive actions that benefit the patient and promote their welfare.

Question 5

Which statement about advance directives and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Valid advance directives must be honored by EMS if properly presented

Answer

EMS providers must honor properly executed and presented advance directives, including out-of-hospital DNR orders.

BLS - Basic Life Support Practice Test