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 radius fracture, and the orthopedic team believes it will 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 absent, 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?
Question
1. Who can consent to medical treatment for young children?
PurposeThe purpose of this assignment is to help you learn more about the members of your learning community. Action Items
Submission InstructionsPost your introduction and responses before the first face-to-face class meeting. |
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Medical treatment for young children is a complex issue that raises questions about parental responsibility and consent. In the case of a seven-year-old with a contaminated fracture, there is a need to obtain consent for the required surgery. However, the parents are absent, leaving the question of who can provide consent for the child’s treatment.
1. Who can consent to medical treatment for young children?
In general, parents or legal guardians have the right to consent to medical treatment for their children. However, in certain circumstances, such as when the parents are not available, another responsible adult may provide consent. This can include teachers or other caregivers who have been authorized to make medical decisions in the absence of the parents. It is important to ensure that the person providing consent is adequately informed about the treatment and understands the potential risks and benefits. In this case, the teacher accompanying the child may be able to provide consent for the necessary surgery, as long as they have been authorized to do so by the parents or the school.
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