ABOG Professional Ethics & Standards 2

Question 1

A patient with a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy refuses blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. She is conscious and competent. What is the most ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect her refusal and use blood-sparing techniques while treating the ectopic pregnancy

Answer

A competent adult has the right to refuse any medical treatment, including blood transfusion, even if refusal may result in death.

Question 2

An OB/GYN discovers that a colleague has been sexually harassing residents. What is the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Report the behavior to the department chair or appropriate institutional authority

Answer

Physicians have a professional obligation to report colleague misconduct that harms trainees or patients to appropriate institutional authorities.

Question 3

Which principle of bioethics requires a physician to act in the patient's best medical interest?

Accepted Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Beneficence is the ethical principle that obligates physicians to act in ways that promote the well-being and best interests of the patient.

Question 4

A gynecologist is asked to perform a sterilization procedure on a 22-year-old nulliparous woman who has no medical indication. She is fully informed and insistent. What should the physician do?

Accepted Answer

Counsel her thoroughly about permanence and alternatives, then respect her autonomous decision

Answer

After thorough counseling about permanence and available alternatives, a competent adult's autonomous decision for sterilization must be respected.

Question 5

What does the ACOG concept of 'conscientious objection' require of an OB/GYN who declines to perform an abortion due to personal beliefs?

Accepted Answer

Referral to another provider who can offer the requested service

Answer

ACOG guidelines state that physicians who conscientiously object to a procedure must refer patients to a willing and able provider in a timely manner.

(ABOG) American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice Test

(ABOG) American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology Practice Test

ABOG Professional Ethics & Standards 2