JBL EMT Practice Exam

Shortly after you load your patient, a 50-year-old man with abdominal pain, into the ambulance, he tells you that he changed his mind and does not want to go to the hospital. The patient is conscious and alert and has no signs of mental incapacitation. You are suspicious that the man has a significant underlying condition and feel strongly that he should go to the hospital. Which of the following statements regarding this situation is correct?

1. A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time

2. Any patient who refuses EMS treatment must legally sign a patient refusal form

3. Because of your suspicions, the best approach is to transport him to the hospital

4. Once the patient is in the ambulance, he cannot legally refuse EMS treatment

The correct answer is: A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time

In this situation, the correct statement is "A mentally competent adult can withdraw his or her consent to treat at any time." It is crucial to uphold a patient's right to autonomy and self-determination. In the scenario described, the patient is conscious, alert, and not mentally incapacitated, which indicates that he has the capacity to make decisions about his medical care. As such, if a competent adult patient decides to refuse treatment or transport to the hospital, their decision must be respected, even if the healthcare provider suspects a serious underlying condition. Options B, C, and D are incorrect: - Option B is incorrect because while documentation of patient refusal is advisable, it is not a legal requirement for a patient to refuse EMS treatment. - Option C is incorrect because forcing the patient to go to the hospital against his will when he is competent to make decisions about his care goes against the principle of respecting patient autonomy. - Option D is incorrect because competent patients have the legal right to refuse treatment, even if they are already in the ambulance.