Which of the following is an example of implied consent?

Implied consent refers to a situation where a patient's consent is not explicitly expressed through verbal or written means but is inferred from their actions or circumstances, indicating they would agree to treatment if they could communicate.

In this case, a patient who gestures or nods for help without speaking demonstrates a clear willingness to receive assistance even though they have not provided verbal consent. This form of consent is often invoked in emergency situations where a patient may be unable to communicate verbally due to confusion, unconsciousness, or other impairments, but their actions indicate a desire for treatment.

Other choices involve explicit consent: a verbal agreement signifies informed consent, while signing a document represents explicit consent for a specific procedure. A refusal indicates that the patient does not wish to receive treatment and therefore cannot be considered a form of consent, whether implied or otherwise. Understanding these distinctions is vital in emergency medical situations where timely treatment may be necessary.