Repeated USMLE Questions Step 2 CK- 311

A 17 year old girl is brought to the emergency room by her boyfriend complaining of severe and progressive abdominal pain. Physical examination and laboratory tests confirm a diagnosis of appendicitis. An emergent appendectomy is recommended.

Who should sign the consent of surgery?

A- Her father

B- Her boyfriend

C- The ER physician

D- Her regular physician

E- She does not need a consent






Answer:

Any patient under 18 years old and undergoes surgery needs a consent. The consent should be signed by a parent or a guardian. Her boyfriend or physicians are not authorized to sign the consent in this case unless there is a life-threatening situation arises and they can not reach her parents or guardians.

The correct answer is A