Chapter 3 Flashcards
Abandonment
Unilateral termination of care by the EMT without the patient’s consent and without making provisions for transferring care to another medical professional with the skills and training necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
Advance directive
Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called a living will of health directive.
Algor mortis
Cooling of the body after death until it matches the ambient temperature.
Applied ethics
The manner in which principles of ethics are incorporated into professional conduct.
Assault
Unlawfully placing a patient in fear of bodily harm.
Battery
Unlawfully touching a patient or providing emergency care without consent.
Bioethics
The study of ethics related to issues that arise in health care.
Breach of confidentiality
Disclosure of information without proper authorization.
Compensatory damages
Damages awarded in a civil lawsuit that are intended to restore plaintiff to the same condition that he or she was in prior to the incident.
Competent
Able to make rational decisions about personal well-being.
Consent
Permission to render care.
Contributory negligence
A legal defense that may be raised when the defendant thinks that the conduct of the plaintiff somehow contributed to any injuries or damages that were sustained to the plaintiff.
Decision-making capacity
Ability to understand and process information and make a choice regarding appropriate medical care.
Defamation
The communication of false information about a person that is damaging to that person’s reputation or standing in the community.
Dependent lividity
Blood settling to the lowest point of the body, causing discoloration of the skin; a definitive sign of death.
Depositions
Oral questions asked if parties and witnesses under oath.
Discovery
The phase of a civil lawsuit where the plaintiff and defense obtain information from each other that will enable the attorneys to have a better understanding of the case and which will assist in negotiating a possible settlement or in preparing for trial. Discovery includes depositions, interrogations, and demands for production of records.
Do not resuscitate (DNR) order
Written documentation by a physician giving permission to medical personnel not to attempt resuscitation in the event of cardiac arrest.
Durable power of attorney for health care
A type of advance directive executed by a competent adult that appoints another individual to make medical treatment decisions on his or her behalf, in the event that the person making the appointment loses decision-making capacity.
Duty to act
A medico-legal term relating to certain personnel who either by statute or by function have a responsibility to provide care.
Emancipated minor
A person who is under the legal age in a given state but, because of other circumstances, is legally considered an adult.
Emergency
A serious situation, such as injury or illness that threatens the life or welfare of a person or group of people and requires immediate intervention.