What type of consent is demonstrated when a patient extends his arm for blood pressure measurement?

The scenario describes a situation in which a patient voluntarily extends his arm for a blood pressure measurement, which is indicative of actual consent. Actual consent occurs when a patient communicates their agreement to a medical procedure or assessment through their actions or verbal acknowledgment. By offering his arm, the patient is actively demonstrating his permission for the EMT to proceed with the measurement.

In the context of emergency medical services, actual consent is often recognized in non-verbal forms, such as a patient providing the necessary cooperation for a treatment or assessment. This contrasts with informed consent, which entails that the patient is fully aware of the risks and benefits of a procedure, ensuring they have adequate information to make a decision. There’s also implied consent, commonly applicable in emergencies where a patient is unable to provide explicit consent but where treatment is deemed necessary for survival or immediate health benefits. Formal consent typically refers to situations requiring documented authorization for a procedure, which is not the case here as the action of extending the arm signifies consent without formal documentation.