Safety & ProfessionalismQuestion 96 of 100
A competent adult patient refuses to allow an ordered EKG. What should the technician do?
a.Perform the test anyway because a physician ordered it
b.Tell the patient he will be billed if he refuses
c.Have a family member give permission instead
d.Stop, respect the refusal, and notify the nurse or ordering provider and document what occurred
Explanation
A competent adult has the right to refuse any procedure, and proceeding without consent could constitute battery, so the technician stops, reports the refusal to the nurse or provider, and documents it. A physician order does not override the patient's decision. Threatening the patient with charges is coercion, and a family member cannot consent for a competent adult.
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