ATI LPN
Ethics and Legal Issues in Healthcare Questions
Question 1 of 5
Mr. Dorone is a 22-year-old man who sustained a subdural hematoma and a brain contusion in a motor vehicle accident. He needs blood in order to have the necessary lifesaving surgery done. His parents refuse to allow the transfusion based on their religious beliefs. What should be done?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In an emergency, consent is implied unless a competent patient refuses; parents cannot override this for an adult.
Question 2 of 5
A 4-year-old with an obviously broken forearm is brought to the emergency department by her baby-sitter. Both the baby-sitter and emergency room staff have attempted to reach her parents without success. Can you treat this child without parental permission?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In urgent situations, treatment can proceed without consent to ensure the child's welfare.
Question 3 of 5
A 45-year-old man is brought to the emergency department following a serious motor vehicle collision on a California interstate highway. Despite all attempts to save him, his condition does not improve. The physician caring for him believes that he is brain dead. On examination, the patient's temperature is $36.7 \mathrm{C}(98 \mathrm{~F})$ and blood pressure is $104 / 60 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$. He is on mechanical ventilation. Neurologic examination is consistent with brain death. Laboratory and imaging studies are not suggestive of a reversible cause. Apnea testing shows no spontaneous breathing. In accordance with local regulations, a second physician confirms the diagnosis of brain death. The patient's family understands the prognosis. Unfortunately, the patient does not have an advanced directive or durable medical power of attorney. Which of the following steps is legally necessary to remove this patient from the ventilator?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Brain death is a legal definition of death; no further steps are required to discontinue ventilation.
Question 4 of 5
An unconscious 42-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest during an attempted robbery at a convenience store. He is bleeding profusely. The patient is minimally responsive to pain and is unable to provide any history. The ambulance record indicates that his initial blood pressure was $120 / 70 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$, pulse was $95 / \mathrm{min}$, and respirations were $16 / \mathrm{min}$. The patient's current blood pressure is $70 / 40 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$, pulse is $130 / \mathrm{min}$, and respirations are $28 / \mathrm{min}$. He has an open gunshot wound in the chest and an exit wound in the back. Intravenous fluids and vasopressors are started, and a blood transfusion is ordered. The patient's fiance arrives and states that he should not receive a blood transfusion because he is a devout Jehovah's Witness. No evidence is found in the medical chart of advance directives or a living will documenting the patient's wishes and examination of his belongings show no blood refusal card. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management of this patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In an emergency without a documented refusal, life-saving transfusion can proceed.
Question 5 of 5
The PA state board of nursing is what type of law?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regulatory law refers to a body of laws and regulations that govern the activities and practices of specific industries or professions. In this case, the PA state board of nursing is responsible for regulating and overseeing the practice of nursing in the state of Pennsylvania. Therefore, it falls under the category of regulatory law.