Lecture 1/Chapter 3

Question 1

Duty to Act

Answer 1

Responsibility to act based on standard of care; begins when ambulance responds or treatment is initiated

Question 2

Breech of Duty

Answer 2

Failure to act within reasonable standard of care

Question 3

Damages

Answer 3

Physical or psychological harm

Question 4

Proximate Cause

Answer 4

Cause and effect

Question 5

Gross Negligence

Answer 5

Willful or reckless disregard

Question 6

Good Samaritan Laws

Answer 6

You must act in good faith, be off duty, stay within the scope of practice, and not be grossly negligent

Question 7

Abandonment

Answer 7

Termination of care without the patient’s consent or without provisions for continued care by someone with equal or higher medical training

Question 8

Is abandonment the same as negligence?

Answer 8

No, it is not the same, but abandonment can lead to negligence.

Question 9

Assault

Answer 9

To put a patient in fear of bodily harm; i.e. threatening

Question 10

Battery

Answer 10

Unlawfully touching a person; i.e. forcing treatment onto a patient

Question 11

Consent

Answer 11

Permission

Question 12

What determines a person’s capacity to refuse care?

Answer 12

What is their level of consciousness? Do they have: a GCS of 15 or dementia? Are they: a legal adult, impaired by drugs/alcohol, & hearing impaired? Is there a language barrier?

Question 13

Expressed/Actual Consent

Answer 13

The patient gives permission; they must be fully informed of what you are going to do

Question 14

Implied Consent

Answer 14

Used in emergencies, such as unconscious, delusional, altered, and non-emancipated minors. This also includes mentally incompetent adults

Question 15

Involuntary Consent

Answer 15

For the mentally ill, behavioral emergencies, and for the developmentally delayed

Question 16

When are restraints used?

Answer 16

If the patient is violent or may become violent; use the least restrictive method to protect the patient and yourself

Question 17

Right to Refuse Treatment

Answer 17

Conscious, alert adults with decision making capacity have a right to refuse at any time. This does not apply if the patient is delusional or suicidal.
They must be fully informed and you must get a signature on an AMA (Against Medical Advice) and have it witnessed.

Question 18

What is the refusal procedure?

Answer 18

1. Confirm their decision making capacity
2. Make sure they are fully informed of the risks
3. Make sure they understand the risks
4. Try to convince them to be transported
5. Tell them it is okay to change their mind and you will come back
6. Have them sign an AMA

Question 19

Advanced Directives

Answer 19

Some patients have a person with “DPOA” (durable power of attorney) which allows someone else to make their medical decisions for them

Question 20

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)

Answer 20

Does not mean do not treat; means provide supportive care
If they stop breathing, don’t help with that. If they lose their pulse, don’t start CPR