Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Communication and Legal/EthicalHard
A medical assistant is preparing a patient for a minor surgical procedure. The patient has signed the consent form, but just before the procedure, they express significant hesitation and state, "I'm not sure I want to do this anymore." What is the appropriate next step for the medical assistant?
- AInform the physician immediately and halt the preparation.
- BContinue with the preparation, explaining that it is normal to be nervous.
- CReassure the patient that the doctor is very skilled and the procedure is quick.
- DRemind the patient that they already signed the consent form.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Inform the physician immediately and halt the preparation.
A patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time, even after signing a consent form and immediately before a procedure. The medical assistant's ethical and legal obligation is to respect this withdrawal, halt preparation, and inform the physician.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Continuing preparation would be a violation of the patient's right to withdraw consent and could lead to battery if the procedure proceeds.
- C. This provides false reassurance and does not address the patient's potential withdrawal of consent.
- D. While true, a signed consent form is not irrevocable; patients can withdraw consent at any point.
Withdrawal of Consent
A patient's right to revoke permission for a medical procedure or treatment at any time, even after initially providing consent.
- Can be verbal or written.
- Must be respected immediately.
- Requires informing the physician.
Memory trick: Consent Can Be Withdrawn Any Time.