CASPer: Medical Ethics Flashcards

A patient with terminal cancer refuses further treatment and wants to go home to die. Their adult children insist doctors 'do everything possible.' What is the physician's primary obligation?

Answer: Honor the patient's autonomous decision to refuse treatment

A competent adult patient's right to refuse treatment takes precedence over family preferences, as autonomy is a foundational principle of medical ethics.

A surgeon realizes mid-operation that the consent form was signed for the wrong procedure. The correct surgery is urgently needed. What should the surgeon do?

Answer: Stop, close the incision safely, and obtain proper informed consent before proceeding

Unless immediate life-threatening emergency exists, surgery should stop and proper informed consent must be obtained before proceeding with a different procedure.

A physician discovers that a colleague is practicing while impaired by alcohol. The physician has directly witnessed this. What is the most appropriate first action?

Answer: Document observations and report to the hospital's physician health program or chief of staff

Most hospital systems require reporting impaired physicians through institutional channels (physician health program or administration) as the appropriate first step to protect patients.

A 16-year-old requests contraception and asks that her parents not be told. She is otherwise healthy and the request is for preventive care. What should the provider do?

Answer: Provide contraception and respect her confidentiality per minor consent laws

In most US states, minors have the legal right to consent to contraceptive services without parental notification, and confidentiality should be maintained.

A patient of limited English proficiency needs to discuss a serious diagnosis. The patient's bilingual adult child offers to interpret. What is the best approach?

Answer: Use a professional medical interpreter to ensure accuracy and confidentiality

Professional medical interpreters ensure accurate translation of complex medical information and protect patient confidentiality, which family members may compromise.

A physician is asked by a pharmaceutical company to give a paid lecture promoting their new drug. The physician believes the drug is effective. What ethical concern is most relevant?

Answer: Financial relationships with industry can create conflicts of interest that bias clinical judgment

Paid relationships with pharmaceutical companies represent conflicts of interest that can unconsciously bias a physician's clinical recommendations and public statements.

A dying patient tells you in confidence that they want to donate their organs but their family is opposed. The patient has not completed an advance directive. What should guide the decision?

Answer: The patient's expressed wish, and encourage completion of an advance directive or donor registration

A competent patient's expressed wish to donate organs should be honored; the physician should help the patient formalize this through registration or advance directive.