Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Who would require the consent of an adult before treatment may be given by a physician?

1. A 10-year-old girl

2. A 17-year-old boy

3. A 21-year-old college student

4. A 15-year-old girl living with her parents

The correct answer is: A 15-year-old girl living with her parents

The necessity for adult consent before treatment hinges on the legal definitions of a minor and the right to consent to medical care. In many jurisdictions, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors, which typically requires them to obtain consent from a parent or guardian before receiving medical treatment. A 15-year-old girl living with her parents would require the consent of an adult because she falls within the age range that generally mandates parental consent for medical procedures, depending on the jurisdiction. Adolescents in this age group often do not have the legal ability to make their own medical decisions, hence the requirement for adult consent. The other individuals listed are either older than 15 or are specifically recognized as having the ability to provide their own consent, such as a 21-year-old college student who is legally considered an adult and can make personal healthcare decisions independently. Similarly, the 17-year-old boy may also be in a category where he has more autonomy over medical decisions in certain circumstances, even though not all jurisdictions allow for this autonomy until reaching 18. The 10-year-old girl is distinctly a minor and would typically require parental consent as well, but the context regarding the 15-year-old girl living with her parents emphasizes the primary relationship requiring consent in that scenario