CPR CPR Certification and Legal Aspects 2

Question 1

What does 'implied consent' mean in the context of emergency CPR?

Accepted Answer

The law assumes an unconscious or unresponsive victim would consent to life-saving care if they were able

Answer

Implied consent is the legal principle that an unconscious or incapacitated person in a life-threatening situation would consent to emergency care — rescuers need not wait for explicit permission.

Question 2

Under what circumstance may a rescuer legally withhold CPR from an unresponsive adult?

Accepted Answer

When a valid DNR order or POLST form is present and accessible

Answer

A valid, accessible DNR or POLST order is a legal directive that removes the obligation to initiate CPR — verbal objection from family without documentation does not legally override the obligation to treat.

Question 3

What is the role of the 'recorder' in a hospital resuscitation team?

Accepted Answer

To document real-time events, medications given, and timing during the resuscitation

Answer

The recorder documents the timeline, interventions, medications administered, and rhythm findings during resuscitation — this record is essential for post-event debriefing and continuity of care.

Question 4

What is 'bystander CPR' and why is it critical in the out-of-hospital setting?

Accepted Answer

CPR initiated by a lay bystander before EMS arrives, which doubles or triples survival rates from cardiac arrest

Answer

Bystander CPR — performed by a layperson before EMS arrives — is one of the strongest predictors of cardiac arrest survival; it maintains circulation during the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

Question 5

Which US agency provides the national CPR and emergency care research standards used by the AHA?

Accepted Answer

The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), whose evidence reviews inform AHA guidelines

Answer

ILCOR is the international body that systematically reviews resuscitation evidence; the AHA uses ILCOR's consensus science to develop its CPR guidelines for the US.

CPR Practice Test

CPR Practice Test

CPR CPR Certification and Legal Aspects 2