Editing Management of Care (section)

=== Consent for those who cannot consent ===
* '''Minors''' generally require a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions vary by state and commonly include '''emancipated minors''' (married, in military service, or court-declared) and minors seeking care for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infection, substance use, or mental health.
* '''Emergencies''' involving an immediate threat to life or limb, when the patient cannot consent and no surrogate is reachable, proceed under '''implied consent'''.
* '''Adults who lack decision-making capacity''' are represented by a health care proxy or durable power of attorney for health care if one exists, and otherwise by a legally recognized surrogate in the order set by state law.
* '''Language barriers''' require a '''qualified medical interpreter'''. Family members, especially minor children, should not interpret for consent.

'''A competent adult may refuse any treatment, including life-sustaining treatment, for any reason or no reason.''' The nurse documents the refusal, ensures the patient understood the consequences, notifies the provider, and does not treat over the refusal.