DHA Medical Ethics & Professionalism 4

Question 1

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite a life-threatening condition. 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 any treatment, including life-saving interventions, under the principle of autonomy.

Question 2

In the DHA framework, which body is primarily responsible for investigating complaints of professional misconduct by healthcare practitioners?

Accepted Answer

DHA Grievance and Complaints Committee

Answer

The DHA Grievance and Complaints Committee handles investigations into professional misconduct by licensed practitioners.

Question 3

A physician discovers that a colleague is practicing medicine while impaired by alcohol. The most appropriate ethical action is to:

Accepted Answer

Report the colleague to the appropriate regulatory authority

Answer

Physicians have a professional duty to report an impaired colleague to protect patient safety, even when it is uncomfortable.

Question 4

Which ethical principle is MOST directly violated when a physician performs a procedure without obtaining informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Failure to obtain informed consent violates autonomy because it denies the patient the right to make an informed decision about their own body.

Question 5

A terminally ill patient asks the physician to prescribe a lethal dose of medication for assisted dying. Under DHA and UAE law, the physician should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse, as assisted dying is not legally or ethically permissible in the UAE

Answer

Assisted dying is not legally permitted in the UAE, and physicians must refuse while offering appropriate palliative care alternatives.

DHA - Dubai Health Authority Practice Test