Interactive Activity week 3rd
CASE STUDY: PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONSENT
Seven-year-old Megan was on a school trip to the Isle of Wight when she slipped on the edge of the swimming pool and landed awkwardly on her wrist. She is taken to the local Accident and Emergency department by her teacher. X-rays revealed she has a nasty contaminated fracture of her radius, and the orthopaedic team believes that it is going to need manipulation under anesthesia to achieve satisfactory realignment. Your surgical ST6 has asked you to complete the necessary pre-theatre checklists and to complete the consent form. You try to explain to him that the parents are not present, but he reassures you that the teacher can sign instead since she is the accompanying adult. Questions • Who can consent to medical treatment for young children?
Discussion Question (1 %)
1. Who can consent to medical treatment for young children?
Purpose
The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate interpersonal skills by responding to discussion questions and the posts of classmates.
Action Items · Review the submission instructions and due dates.
· Access the discussion forum by clicking on the discussion title.
· Click on create a thread.
· Write the title of your response in the subject line.
· Type your answer in the message field
· Read your classmates’ answers and post at least one reply by the end of week 3.
Submission Instructions
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Medical treatment for young children requires consent from their parents or legal guardians, but what happens if they are not present? This scenario raises important questions about parental responsibility and consent. As a Harvard University professor, I would approach this case study with a focus on ethical and legal principles. In responding to the discussion question, I would consider relevant laws and guidelines to determine who can give consent for medical treatment in this situation.
Discussion Question:
1. Who can consent to medical treatment for young children?
According to standard medical practice, consent for medical treatment of young children must be obtained from their parents or legal guardians. Parents have a legal and ethical responsibility to make decisions about their child’s healthcare. However, there may be situations where parents are not present, such as in the case of Megan’s swimming pool accident. In such instances, the accompanying adult, such as a teacher or coach, may be authorized to give consent if they have been given temporary custody of the child or are acting in loco parentis (in place of the parent).
There are also certain situations where obtaining consent from a parent is not possible or in the best interest of the child, such as in emergencies or when parental rights have been terminated. In such cases, a court may appoint a legal guardian to make healthcare decisions for the child. Healthcare providers must adhere to guidelines and regulations regarding consent for medical treatment of minors, including ensuring that the person giving consent is authorized and informed about the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.
In conclusion, parental responsibility and consent for medical treatment of young children is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration of ethical and legal principles. As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to understand relevant laws and guidelines to ensure that the appropriate person is giving consent and that the best interest of the child is being prioritized.
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