Free BCEN Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Question

The correct answer is to perform a medical screening examination and stabilize the patient if necessary. EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) requires that all patients presenting to an emergency department receive a medical screening examination to determine if an emergency medical condition exists, regardless of their ability to pay or the hospital's capacity. If an emergency medical condition is identified, the hospital must provide stabilizing treatment within its capabilities. The hospital cannot turn away a patient or transfer them without proper screening and stabilization, even if it's at full capacity. Providing only pain medication or referring the patient to another facility without screening violates EMTALA and could result in significant penalties for the hospital.