Which general statement about consent is correct?

• A. Expressed consent is valid only if given in writing by a family member.
• B. All patients older than 18 years can legally refuse treatment or transport.
• C. Patients who are intoxicated are generally allowed to refuse treatment.
• D. A patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.

Answer: (D)

Consent hinges on the patient’s capacity to understand the situation and make a voluntary choice. A person who is competent can decide what care to accept and can also choose to be transported for evaluation while refusing treatment at the scene. Expressed consent doesn’t have to be written or come from a family member; it can be given verbally by the patient, and family members aren’t required for consent. Intoxication can impair decision-making, so you can’t assume a person who is intoxicated can legally refuse treatment—their capacity must be assessed. The statement that best fits how consent works is that a patient can consent to transport but can legally refuse to be treated.