MCCQE Ethics and Legal Duties 4

Question 1

A physician is treating a long-term patient who is also a close personal friend. Which ethical risk does this relationship most create?

Accepted Answer

Boundary violation and compromised objectivity

Answer

Dual relationships can compromise clinical objectivity, impair professional judgment, and create boundary violations.

Question 2

A physician receives a gift worth $500 from a grateful patient. What is the most ethically appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Decline politely or accept only nominal gifts and document accordingly

Answer

Accepting substantial gifts can create real or perceived conflicts of interest; physicians should decline or limit gifts to nominal value.

Question 3

Which element is NOT required for legally valid informed consent in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Written signature on a consent form

Answer

Informed consent can be verbal or implied; a written signature is evidence of consent but not a legal requirement for validity.

Question 4

A physician is called to testify as an expert witness in a malpractice case. What is their primary duty?

Accepted Answer

Provide impartial, objective evidence to assist the court

Answer

Expert witnesses have a duty to the court to provide honest, objective, and impartial testimony regardless of who retained them.

Question 5

A patient with schizophrenia is stable on medication but refuses to take it, believing they no longer need it. Capacity assessment shows they are currently capable. What is the ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Respect the refusal and develop a safety plan

Answer

A currently capable patient's refusal must be respected; the physician should document, discuss risks, and plan for monitoring.

(MCCQE) Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Practice Test

(MCCQE) Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Practice Test

MCCQE Ethics and Legal Duties 4