Professional Dilemmas Flashcards

A colleague confides that they have been drinking alcohol before clinical shifts. What is the most appropriate initial action?

Answer: Express concern to the colleague and encourage them to seek help, while reporting to your clinical supervisor

Patient safety is paramount. The initial step is expressing concern directly while also reporting to your supervisor or clinical lead, as patient safety cannot be compromised. GMC referral may follow if the issue isn't addressed.

A patient's family member asks you not to tell the patient about their terminal diagnosis. What should you do?

Answer: Explore the family's concerns but explain that the patient has the right to know their diagnosis if they wish

While understanding family concerns is important, patients have the right to know their diagnosis (GMC guidance on consent). Explore what the patient wants to know and share information at an appropriate pace, respecting patient autonomy.

You notice a senior colleague making a prescribing error. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Raise the concern politely with the colleague directly and ensure the error is corrected

Patient safety requires addressing the error. Speaking directly to the colleague is appropriate first, allowing them to correct it. If the error isn't corrected or there's a pattern, escalation to a supervisor is necessary.

A patient refuses a blood transfusion on religious grounds despite being severely anemic. What is the correct approach?

Answer: Respect their decision after ensuring they have capacity and understand the risks, and explore alternative treatments

A competent adult has the right to refuse treatment, even if it may lead to death. Ensure the patient has capacity, provide full information about risks, document the refusal, and explore alternative management options.

You are asked to see more patients than you feel is safe during an on-call shift. What should you do?

Answer: Raise your concerns with the on-call senior and document your concerns about patient safety

You have a duty to raise concerns about patient safety. Escalate to the on-call senior, clinical supervisor, or site manager, documenting your concerns. Never simply abandon patients or stay silent about unsafe conditions.

A pharmaceutical representative offers you an expensive gift in exchange for promoting their medication. What should you do?

Answer: Decline the gift as it represents a conflict of interest that could influence prescribing decisions

Accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies creates conflicts of interest and may bias prescribing. GMC guidance requires doctors to be honest about financial interests and avoid conflicts that could affect patient care.