Which situation exemplifies "collective consent"?

The situation that exemplifies "collective consent" is the discussion a family has about treatment options for a relative. Collective consent involves the agreement and input of multiple parties, which is characteristic of collaborative decision-making often seen in healthcare settings.

In this scenario, family members come together to weigh the treatment options available for their relative, ensuring that everyone's viewpoints are considered. This approach not only respects the patient's autonomy but also reflects the supportive role that family can play in healthcare decisions, particularly when the patient may not be in a position to make those decisions independently.

The other options do not represent collective consent. A patient signing a consent form alone pertains to individual consent, where one person is making the decision without input from others. A doctor making decisions without patient input highlights a lack of consent and autonomy, as the patient is not involved in the decision-making process. Lastly, a hospital board approving a new treatment protocol involves organizational decision-making but does not denote the collective consent of individuals affected by that treatment, as it focuses more on procedural approval than individual or familial agreement.