Question

A 35-year-old man is brought unconscious to the emergency department after a road traffic collision. He has life-threatening intra-abdominal bleeding needing urgent laparotomy. There are no relatives present and no advance decisions are known. What is the most appropriate course of action regarding consent?

Accepted Answer

Proceed with emergency surgery in his best interests

Answer

Delay surgery until relatives can give consent

Answer

Do nothing and provide comfort care only

Answer

Seek a court order before operating

Answer

Wait until he regains capacity to ask for consent

Practice question