CASPer Exam CASPer: Medical Ethics 2

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

Honor the patient's autonomous decision to refuse treatment

Answer

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

Question 2

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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?

Accepted Answer

Provide contraception and respect her confidentiality per minor consent laws

Answer

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

Question 5

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?

Accepted Answer

Use a professional medical interpreter to ensure accuracy and confidentiality

Answer

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

CASPer Exam Practice Test

CASPer Exam Practice Test

CASPer Exam CASPer: Medical Ethics 2