04-14-2016, 08:49 AM
9 year old girl is brought to the ER for a foot infection which looks serious. She needs IV antibiotics and debrideent, or you know that her foot is in danger of amputation. The mother refuses consent for antibiotics and debridement. You discuss the need for immediate treatment and the risks in the presence of a witness. But mother still refuses the treatment. Your next step:
1) order the antibiotic and the debridement, overruling the mother.
2) Get an emergency court order
3) get an emergency ethics consult
4) agree with the mother and not give the treatment