Which of the following is an example of implied consent?

Implied consent refers to situations where consent is not expressly given through verbal or written means but is inferred from a person's actions or the circumstances surrounding a situation. Performing emergency surgery on a patient who has lost consciousness falls into this category, as it is assumed that the patient would consent to necessary medical intervention to save their life or prevent serious harm if they were conscious.

In medical emergencies, the law often recognizes the need for immediate treatment without explicit consent when a delay could result in significant risk to the patient's health. This is where the concept of implied consent comes into play, as medical professionals are allowed to act in the best interest of the patient in urgent situations without them being able to communicate their wishes.

The other scenarios provided, such as verbal consent, signed paperwork for treatment, and a parent signing for their minor child, constitute explicit forms of consent where clear agreement is communicated either verbally or in writing. These do not illustrate implied consent, as they involve a direct acknowledgment of the patient's or guardian's willingness to undergo treatment.