ABPS Professionalism & Ethical Medical Practice 2

Question 1

A physician discovers that a colleague is practicing medicine while impaired by alcohol. What is the most appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Confront the colleague privately and encourage them to seek help

Answer

The first appropriate step is a private confrontation encouraging the colleague to seek treatment, though persistent impairment requires escalation to protect patients.

Question 2

Which ethical principle requires physicians to distribute healthcare resources fairly across patient populations?

Accepted Answer

Justice

Answer

Justice obligates physicians to allocate healthcare resources equitably and without discrimination.

Question 3

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite a life-threatening hemorrhage. The physician should:

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal if the patient is competent and informed

Answer

A competent, informed adult has the right to refuse treatment, including life-saving transfusions, based on personal or religious beliefs.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'therapeutic privilege'?

Accepted Answer

Withholding information when disclosure would harm the patient

Answer

Therapeutic privilege allows withholding information if disclosure would cause significant psychological harm, though it is generally discouraged and rarely justified.

Question 5

A pharmaceutical company offers a physician a paid vacation in exchange for prescribing their medication. This situation best represents:

Accepted Answer

A conflict of interest that should be avoided

Answer

Accepting gifts or benefits from pharmaceutical companies in exchange for prescribing is a conflict of interest that violates professional ethics.

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

(ABPS) American Board of Physician Specialties Certification Practice Test

ABPS Professionalism & Ethical Medical Practice 2