CPR Legal and Ethical Considerations 2

Question 1

What legal principle protects a bystander who provides CPR in good faith from liability in most U.S. states?

Accepted Answer

Good Samaritan laws

Answer

Good Samaritan laws shield lay rescuers who voluntarily and in good faith provide emergency aid from civil liability.

Question 2

An adult collapses in a public place and is unresponsive. Under what legal concept may you begin CPR without verbal permission?

Accepted Answer

Implied consent

Answer

Implied consent assumes an unresponsive person would agree to lifesaving care if able to do so.

Question 3

A conscious adult with chest pain refuses your help. What is the correct ethical and legal action?

Accepted Answer

Honor the refusal and call 911 to monitor

Answer

A competent adult has the right to refuse care, so you should respect the refusal while keeping EMS involved.

Question 4

What document directs rescuers NOT to perform CPR on a specific patient?

Accepted Answer

A valid DNR order

Answer

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a physician's directive instructing that CPR not be attempted.

Question 5

Stopping CPR before EMS arrives, without a valid reason, may legally be considered what?

Accepted Answer

Abandonment

Answer

Once you begin care, leaving the patient without transferring to equal or higher care is abandonment.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Practice Test