Passmedicine Flashcards
When do deaths need to be reported to the coroner
Deaths occurring within 24 hours of admission to hospital should be discussed with the coroner before a death certificate is issued
Deaths of prisoners or people in police custody
Unknown causes of deaths
The Mental Health Act overrides the Mental Capacity Act and enables people with capacity to be given treatment against their will
Unknown cause of death
Discuss with a coroner
Controlled drugs - what needs to be stated in figures and words
Quantity
What must be included on a prescription for a controlled drug
Address of patient
What law governs the emergency management of patients who refuse treatment
Common law
CPR decisions
Should be communicated clearly to all those involved in the aptients care, including the patient and next of kin
‘Advanced requests for refusal of treatment’ can be sought by patients who wish to refuse treatment. DNACPR refers specifically to advanced refusal of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
For an advanced directive to be valid
Over 18 in England (16 in Scotland)
Patient must be of sound mind when it is made
Patient has a notifiable communicable disease e.g. scarlet fever
Advise her that you need to contact the Local Health Protection Agency (HPA) and she should not go into work. If she does not consent, confirm that you will still need to inform the HPA
Cosmetic surgery consent
Surgeon performing the operation must consent
Disclosures to comply with a statutory request made by a regulatory body such as the GMC can be made without the patient’s consent
Patient admitted from care home with abdo pain and emaciated appearance who died from ‘hyperkalaemia-induced cardiac tachyarrhythmia’
Starvation, ill-treatment or neglect should be suspected and therefore the death reported to the coroner
A formal capacity assessment stating the patient does not have capacity must be documented before a patient can be treated under the MCA
Driving in a patient with schizophrenia
Patients with schizophrenia must not drive and must notify the DVLA, until stable and well for 3 months and following a suitable psychiatristy report
What must be done before the patient can be treated under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)?
A formal capacity assessment must be performed and documented before treatment under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA)
What is most important when determining consent in a 15 year old
they can understand the procedure
emergency life saving treatment can be given to a child irrespective of the parents views
What does an advanced directive refer to?
A specific treatment in a specific circumstance
Used only to refuse treatment, not to demand
When are advanced directives valid
Only when the individual loses capacity
It can be overruled by a lasting power of attorney
Can registered nurses verify death?
Yes - in certain circumstances
