NREMT Ethical Considerations & Legal Responsibilities 2

Question 1

A patient who is conscious and alert refuses treatment after a motor vehicle crash. What is the EMT's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal, have the patient sign a refusal form, and ensure they understand the risks

Answer

Restrain the patient and transport against their will

Answer

Contact medical direction and await orders before doing anything

Answer

Leave the scene immediately since the patient refused

Question 2

Which of the following best defines 'implied consent' in the pre-hospital setting?

Accepted Answer

It is assumed an unconscious patient would consent to life-saving treatment

Answer

The patient verbally agrees to treatment

Answer

A family member consents on behalf of the patient

Answer

Written consent is obtained before all procedures

Question 3

An EMT arrives on scene and finds an advance directive (DNR order) presented by family. What should the EMT do?

Accepted Answer

Contact medical direction and follow local protocols regarding the validity of the DNR

Answer

Ignore the DNR and begin full resuscitation regardless

Answer

Honor the DNR without question if the family says it is valid

Answer

Transport immediately and sort out the DNR at the hospital

Question 4

An EMT who shares patient information with an unauthorized third party without patient consent may be liable for:

Accepted Answer

Breach of confidentiality / HIPAA violation

Answer

Assault

Answer

Abandonment

Answer

Negligence

Question 5

Which of the following situations would constitute patient abandonment by an EMT?

Accepted Answer

Terminating care of an unstable patient without transferring to an equally or more qualified provider

Answer

Transferring care to a paramedic who has more advanced training

Answer

Handing the patient over to emergency department staff upon arrival

Answer

Refusing to treat a patient with a non-life-threatening complaint

Question 6

A patient who appears intoxicated is refusing care and attempting to leave. The EMT believes the patient is a danger to themselves. What is the best course of action?

Accepted Answer

Contact law enforcement and medical direction; document the situation thoroughly

Answer

Physically restrain the patient immediately

Answer

Allow the patient to leave since refusal of care is always the patient's right

Answer

Call the patient's family and obtain consent from them