A healthcare worker notices that emergency care is not given because a person cannot pay for it. What should the healthcare worker do?

Reporting the situation to the manager is the appropriate action in this context because it addresses a potentially serious ethical issue in healthcare — the denial of emergency care due to a patient's ability to pay. In many healthcare systems, particularly in emergencies, patients should not be turned away based on their financial situation. By notifying a supervisor or manager, the healthcare worker can ensure that appropriate procedures are followed to advocate for the patient’s right to receive necessary care, regardless of their financial status. This action aligns with the ethical principles of beneficence and justice, prioritizing patient welfare and equal access to healthcare services.

Ignoring the situation would allow the unethical practice to continue unchallenged, while handling it themselves could lead to an inappropriate response that may not effectively resolve the issue. Asking the patient to leave would cause harm and is ethically indefensible, particularly in emergency situations. Thus, reporting to management is the most responsible and ethically sound course of action.