Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

When might you decide there is no 'duty' owed to a patient?

1. When you are the only one present in a crisis

2. When you are not the responsible caregiver

3. When the patient accepts personal responsibility

4. When you have previously treated them

The correct answer is: When you are not the responsible caregiver

Choosing to determine that there is no 'duty' owed to a patient typically aligns with specific scenarios within the healthcare context. Understanding the nuances of caregiver responsibility is crucial. In situations where one is not the responsible caregiver, it implies that the legal and ethical responsibility for the patient's care does not fall upon them. The concept of 'duty' requires that a caregiver is designated and accountable for a patient's welfare. If a healthcare provider is not in a position of responsibility—because they are not the assigned caregiver or are not otherwise obligated to provide care at that moment—they are not bound by the same ethical and legal duties. This situation could arise in various instances, such as during a shift change, when a patient is transferred to another facility, or if a colleague is designated to take over the responsibilities of care. In contrast, situations involving crisis presence, personal responsibility acceptance by the patient, or previous treatment do not absolve someone from their duty if they are the designated caregiver or if their involvement creates a therapeutic relationship. The established duty to care usually persists unless explicitly terminated by relevant circumstances, making those options less aligned with the definition of duty owed to a patient.