Declaring Medical Emergency

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I had an scenario at work where a patient refused an important procedure and the docs decided to declare a medical emergency on the patient. (FYI pt has been own decision maker.. No guardian etc) What are the steps that doctors need to take in order to declare a medical emergency? Also, do the doctors have to fill out certain paper work?

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Specializes in ER.

Wouldn't it have to go to an ethic committee? I'd get on your phone with the supervisor to ensure you have all the documents on your line if the patient is alert and orientated.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.

They will have to go before a judge to prove that the patient is not competent to make the decision that they have chosen. Or they must find another legal premise by which they can force their will upon another citizen.

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Pt was alert and oriented! There were so many factors that the doctor didn't consider so I refused to go thru force meds and give treatment despite them declaring him a med emergency. This happened so fast (within 8 hrs of him refusing a treatment)

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This is exactly why you should never do something JUST BECAUSE THE DOCTOR ORDERED IT! GOt a call from my manager stating I was right in not forcing treatment. The manager spoke with the hospital attorney as well and he agreed. Docs totally jumped the gun on this one & just wanted to know of there should be actual documents filled out

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Good for you for standing up for your patient and his wishes! Good to hear your mgr is backing you up as well.

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You absolutely did the right thing. An alert & oriented and competent patient has every right to make his or her own medical decisions, no matter how important the treatment. Any documents the docs would had filled out would've put them right in the middle of the target had the patient (rightfully) pressed charges for treating him or her against his or her will. I'm sure you want no part of that!

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

You did well, Nurse! :nurse:

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Pt was alert and oriented! There were so many factors that the doctor didn't consider so I refused to go thru force meds and give treatment despite them declaring him a med emergency. This happened so fast (within 8 hrs of him refusing a treatment)

You call administration immediately. Get legal involved. You cannot "force" a competent patient into medical decisions of the physician.

You did the right thing.

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