JoeWBlow

I got this question and the answer doesn't seem right to me. Which client is legally able to sign a consent for surgery? The correct answers given are 2 & 4. Well, 2 is obvious, but look at this rationale for 4??? The 17 year old client is considered a minor and cannot provide legal consent if a parent or legal guardian is present or readily available. However, since the parents are not available, the emergency exception rule, known as "implied consent" would be followed in which there is an assumption that, if present, the legal guardian would consent to the emergency treatment of the minor. The primary healthcare provider must document the nature of the emergency, the reason why immediate treatment is required, and the attempts to obtain consent from the minors parents or legal guardian. Is implied consent the same as what the question asks? I understand implied consent and the reason a surgery would be performed. However, the questions asks "Which client is legally able to sign a consent for surgery?"