Question

Javier is treating a patient who is in a coma after experiencing head trauma. Since the patient cannot speak for themselves on their treatment, what would be the BEST course of action for Javier?

a. He should ask a colleague for advice on treatment.
b. He should limit the medical testing of the patient.
Selected:c. He should administer typical treatment for this condition.This answer is incorrect.
d. He should consult the patient’s healthcare proxy.

Answer 1

Correct answer: d. He should consult the patient’s healthcare proxy.

Rationale:
- A comatose patient lacks decision-making capacity, so treatment decisions should be made by the patient’s legally authorized surrogate (healthcare proxy) or according to the patient’s advance directive when available (substituted-judgment or best-interest standards).
- Asking a colleague (a) can provide clinical input but does not substitute for consent from the surrogate or follow the patient’s wishes.
- Limiting testing (b) is not justified just because the patient is comatose.
- Administering typical treatment (c) is permissible only in true emergencies when delay would harm the patient and no surrogate/advance directive can be reached (implied consent). Otherwise you must consult the proxy.