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Surrogate decision-making emergency — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardEthics, risk management, disposition, medicolegalSurrogate decision-making emergencyABEM Board

A 70-year-old man arrives unconscious with ruptured AAA and no advance directive available. Triage acuity is ESI 1; BP 62/38 mm Hg, HR 142/min. A neighbor says family is unreachable. Vascular surgery is ready and delay will likely be fatal. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Proceed with emergency life-saving treatment under implied consent

In an immediately life-threatening emergency without available surrogate or directive, implied consent permits necessary stabilizing treatment.

Reference: ACEP ethics guidance; emergency consent doctrine