North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What type of consent occurs when a patient verbalizes willingness for care?

1. Informed consent

2. Expressed consent

3. Implied consent

4. Emergency consent

The correct answer is: Expressed consent

When a patient verbalizes their willingness to receive care, this is referred to as expressed consent. This type of consent is distinct because it explicitly indicates the patient's clear and voluntary agreement to the medical intervention being proposed. Expressed consent can be given verbally or in writing, and it must be informed, meaning the patient should understand the nature of the treatment, its risks, and benefits before agreeing. The patient's capacity to make this decision and the presence of adequate information are crucial factors that support the legitimacy of expressed consent. In contrast, informed consent emphasizes the patient's understanding of the treatment, while implied consent might apply in situations where a patient is unable to communicate, such as in emergencies where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. Emergency consent generally refers to scenarios where consent is presumed due to the immediate threat to life or health, again differing from the direct and clear communication found in expressed consent. Thus, the correct identification of this type of consent as expressed consent is accurate in this context.