A 22-year-old man is brought to the emergency department by ambulance 1 hour after a motor vehicle accident. He did not require any circulatory resuscitation at the scene, but he was intubated because he was unresponsive. He has no history of serious illnesses. He is on mechanical ventilation with no sedation. His blood pressure is 121/62 mm Hg, the pulse is 68/min, and the temperature is 36.5°C (97.7°F). His Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is 3. Early laboratory studies show no abnormalities. A search of the state donor registry shows that he has registered as an organ donor. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?
AEvaluation of brainstem reflexes
BBrain MRI
CElectroencephalography
DCerebral angiography
EApnea test
A 33-year-old man is brought by ambulance to the emergency room after being a passenger in a motor vehicle accident. An empty bottle of whiskey was found in his front seat, and the patient admits to having been drinking all night. He has multiple lacerations and bruising on his face and scalp and a supportive cervical collar is placed. He is endorsing a significant headache and starts vomiting in the emergency room. His vitals, however, are stable, and he is transported to the CT scanner. While there, he states that he does not want to have a CT scan and asks to be released. What is the most appropriate course of action?
AHave the patient fill the appropriate forms and discharge against medical advice
BExplain to him that he is intoxicated and cannot make health care decisions, continue as planned
CRelease the patient as requested
DAgree to not do the CT scan
ECall security
A 29-year-old man is admitted to the emergency department following a motorcycle accident. The patient is severely injured and requires life support after splenectomy and evacuation of a subdural hematoma. Past medical history is unremarkable. The patient’s family members, including wife, parents, siblings, and grandparents, are informed about the patient’s condition. The patient has no living will and there is no durable power of attorney. The patient must be put in an induced coma for an undetermined period of time. Which of the following is responsible for making medical decisions for the incapacitated patient?
AThe spouse
BAn older sibling
CPhysician
DLegal guardian
EThe parents
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