Which condition best describes the emergency exception to informed consent?

• A. When delay would result in death or serious harm to the patient
• B. When the patient is calm and coherent
• C. When the family agrees
• D. When the nurse approves

Answer: (A)

In emergencies, when the patient cannot give consent and delaying treatment would result in death or serious harm, clinicians may proceed with needed interventions without prior informed consent. This recognizes the duty to act quickly to save life or prevent serious injury when there isn’t time to obtain consent and the patient lacks decision-making capacity. Efforts should still be made to contact a legally authorized surrogate and to document the situation and actions taken as soon as possible.

Delaying for a calm, coherent patient isn’t appropriate because they are capable of consenting. Family agreement isn’t automatically a substitute for the patient’s consent in an urgent situation, and a nurse’s approval alone does not constitute consent.