ABPS Patient Care & Treatment Decision Making 5

Question 1

A patient with metastatic cancer requests experimental treatment not yet approved by the FDA. What is the most appropriate physician response?

Accepted Answer

Explain the evidence status, discuss risks and alternatives, and explore compassionate use or clinical trial enrollment

Answer

Physicians should explain the evidence limitations and explore legitimate pathways such as clinical trials or FDA compassionate use programs.

Question 2

What is the most important principle when transitioning a patient from curative to palliative care?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient's goals, values, and comfort guide the transition

Answer

Goals-of-care conversations that center the patient's values and comfort needs are essential when transitioning from curative to palliative intent.

Question 3

A physician suspects a colleague is impaired by substance use while on duty. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Accepted Answer

Report the concern to the chief of staff, department head, or hospital patient safety officer

Answer

Physician impairment is a patient safety issue and must be reported through appropriate institutional channels promptly.

Question 4

A 50-year-old woman with newly diagnosed breast cancer is overwhelmed and asks the physician to 'just decide' on treatment. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her distress, provide clear information, and offer to schedule a follow-up to revisit the decision together

Answer

Acknowledging emotional distress while ensuring ongoing access to information respects autonomy without abandoning the patient in a vulnerable moment.

Question 5

Which factor most strongly predicts poor medication adherence in outpatient chronic disease management?

Accepted Answer

Complex multi-drug regimens with frequent dosing schedules

Answer

Regimen complexity and dosing frequency are among the strongest predictors of non-adherence in chronic disease management.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Patient Care & Treatment Decision Making 5