Informed consent Flashcards
What is informed consent?
A) A process where a healthcare provider decides the best treatment for the patient.
B) A process where a patient agrees to a treatment after understanding its nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives.
C) A legal document that must be signed before any treatment.
D) A discussion between the patient and their family about the treatment options.
Answer: B
B is correct because informed consent involves providing the patient with information on the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives to the treatment.
A is incorrect because the healthcare provider does not solely decide the treatment; the patient must consent.
C is incorrect because informed consent is not just a legal document but a process.
D is incorrect because family involvement is not required unless the patient lacks capacity.
Which ethical principle is most closely related to respecting a patient’s right to make decisions about their own treatment?
A) Beneficence
B) Autonomy
C) Non-maleficence
D) Justice
Answer: B
B is correct because autonomy refers to the patient’s right to make their own healthcare decisions.
A is incorrect because beneficence is about acting in the patient’s best interest, not necessarily about their right to decide.
C is incorrect because non-maleficence relates to avoiding harm, not patient decision-making.
D is incorrect because justice pertains to fairness, not decision-making autonomy.
How does the ethical principle of beneficence relate to informed consent?
A) It ensures that patients avoid all treatments with risks.
B) It allows patients to receive treatment even without consent.
C) It ensures that patients are informed of the benefits and can choose the option that best promotes their well-being.
D) It guarantees that patients are forced to accept the most beneficial treatment.
Answer: C
C is correct because beneficence means promoting the patient’s well-being, and informed consent ensures the patient is aware of the benefits to make an informed decision.
A is incorrect because it doesn’t relate to all treatments, only those with benefits.
B is incorrect because beneficence supports consent, not bypassing it.
D is incorrect because patients are never forced into a treatment, even if it’s beneficial.
What does the principle of non-maleficence mean in the context of informed consent?
A) Patients should avoid making decisions that could cause them harm.
B) Healthcare providers must ensure that patients are aware of the risks and side effects of treatments.
C) Doctors must only provide treatments that have no risks.
D) Patients should be forced to accept treatments with the least harm.
Answer: B
B is correct because non-maleficence is about preventing harm, which is why healthcare providers must inform patients of treatment risks.
A is incorrect because non-maleficence applies to providers, not patients.
C is incorrect because no treatment is entirely risk-free.
D is incorrect because patients are not forced into accepting any treatment.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for valid consent under the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA)?
A) The consent must be informed.
B) The consent must be voluntary.
C) The consent must be obtained through misrepresentation.
D) The consent must relate specifically to the treatment.
Answer: C
C is correct because misrepresentation invalidates consent, meaning it must not occur.
A, B, and D are correct conditions for valid consent, which is why they are wrong in this context.
What is the Health Care Consent Act (HCCA) designed to do?
A) Establish rules for obtaining consent only in hospitals.
B) Promote communication between healthcare providers and patients.
C) Allow family members to make decisions for all patients.
D) Eliminate the need for consent in medical treatments.
Answer: B
B is correct because the HCCA fosters clear communication between healthcare providers and patients to ensure informed consent.
A is incorrect because the HCCA applies across healthcare settings, not just hospitals.
C is incorrect because the act focuses on patient autonomy, not family decisions.
D is incorrect because the HCCA does not eliminate the need for consent.
What is the key distinction between express and implied consent?
A) Express consent must be verbal, while implied consent is written.
B) Express consent is explicit, while implied consent is inferred from actions.
C) Implied consent must be given before any treatment, while express consent is only needed for invasive procedures.
D) Express consent is required in emergencies, while implied consent is used for non-emergencies.
Answer: B
B is correct because express consent is explicitly given, while implied consent is inferred through actions or circumstances.
A is incorrect because express consent can be verbal or written.
C is incorrect because implied consent can occur in different situations, not just before treatment.
D is incorrect because express consent is often required for significant procedures, while implied consent can be used for routine treatments.
When can emergency treatment be administered without consent?
A) When the healthcare provider feels it is necessary.
B) When the patient is unable to provide consent, and there is a risk of serious bodily harm or suffering without immediate treatment.
C) When the patient has refused consent but the provider believes the treatment is essential.
D) When a substitute decision-maker (SDM) is unavailable.
Answer: B
B is correct because emergency treatment can be given without consent if the patient is unable to provide it and the situation is urgent.
A is incorrect because the provider’s opinion alone is insufficient.
C is incorrect because if a patient has refused treatment, it should not be given without consent.
D is incorrect because emergency treatment doesn’t rely on the availability of an SDM.
- What must a healthcare provider do if they find a patient incapable of providing consent?
A) Administer treatment immediately without informing the patient.
B) Inform the patient of their incapacity and that a substitute decision-maker will make decisions on their behalf.
C) Request a court order to proceed with treatment.
D) Provide the treatment and explain later.
Answer: B
B is correct because the patient must be informed if they are incapable of consenting, and an SDM will make decisions on their behalf.
A is incorrect because treatment cannot proceed without informing the patient unless it’s an emergency.
C is incorrect because court intervention is not required for incapacity findings.
D is incorrect because treatment cannot proceed before informing the patient.
What is the primary role of a Substitute Decision Maker (SDM)?
A) To make decisions for patients who are too young to understand treatment.
B) To make decisions for individuals who lack the capacity to do so, based on the patient’s best interests and known wishes.
C) To provide legal advice to the healthcare provider.
D) To ensure that treatment is provided even when the patient is capable of consenting.
Answer: B
B is correct because an SDM’s role is to make decisions for individuals who are incapable of doing so, in accordance with the patient’s best interests and known wishes.
A is incorrect because SDMs are not based solely on the patient’s age.
C is incorrect because SDMs are not responsible for providing legal advice.
D is incorrect because SDMs step in only when the patient cannot provide consent.
