New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

Which consent type requires the patient to be alert and competent?

1. Implied Consent

2. Involuntary Consent

3. Expressed Consent

4. Minor Consent

The correct answer is: Expressed Consent

Expressed consent is the type of consent that requires the patient to be alert and competent. This form of consent is given when a patient understands the situation, the proposed treatment, and the risks involved, and voluntarily agrees to the procedure or intervention. The competency and alertness of the patient are crucial because it ensures that the patient can comprehend the information being conveyed and make an informed decision about their care. In contrast, implied consent may be assumed in certain emergency situations where a patient is unable to provide consent due to incapacity and immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Involuntary consent typically pertains to situations where a patient cannot consent on their own, often involving legal or psychiatric scenarios. Minor consent refers to situations where consent is provided on behalf of a minor, usually by a parent or legal guardian, thereby circumventing the requirement for the minor to be alert and competent themselves. Understanding these distinctions highlights the importance of patient autonomy and proper communication necessary for valid expressed consent.